Esper opposes Insurrection Act for law enforcement

Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Wednesday he opposes use of Insurrection Act, which would allow President Donald Trump to use active-duty military forces for law enforcement duties in containing street protests.

Speaking to reporters at Pentagon, Esper said active-duty troops in a law enforcement role should be used in United States “only in most urgent and dire of situations,” ding, “We are t in one of those situations w.”

Use of Insurrection Act has been discussed as Trump has talked about using military to quell violent protests in U.S. cities.

Esper has authorized movement of several active-duty Army units to military bases just outside nation's capital, but y have t been called to action.

In his Pentagon remarks, Esper strongly criticized actions of Minneapolis police, in whose custody George Floyd died after an officer held his knee to Floyd's neck for several minutes.

Esper's comments came two days after situation in Washington escalated Monday.

Nearly 30 minutes before a 7 p.m. curfew in Washington, U.S. Park Police repelled protesters with what y said were smoke canisters and pepper balls.