Published 11:02 IST, June 5th 2020

George Floyd protests: Ex-top US General denounces Trump's military threat

Former US Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman denounced President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy the military to control violent protests across the country.

Reported by: Kunal Gaurav
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Former US Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman deunced President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy military to control violent protests across country. Speaking to National Public Rio, General Martin Dempsey said that President’s remarks on handling of protests were “very dangerous” and “troubling”.

Gen Dempsey said idea that president would take charge of situation using military was troubling to him. While ex-senior military officer ackwledged that some protesters h “opportunistically” turned protests violent, he ded that it has been largely peaceful.

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Dempsey said he finds idea of deploying military to suppress such protests very dangerous and wondered how action will help calm situation. 68-year-old retired Army General has served as America’s top military officer under former US President Barack Obama from 2011-15.

Trump’s call to deploy active-duty troops has alrey been criticised former Defense Secretary James Mattis, and current Defense Secretary Mark Esper has also expressed his reservation against it. Mattis told CNN on June 3 that Trump is first President in his “lifetime” who does t try to unite American people but tries to divide m.

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'Matter of last resort'

Speaking at a news conference, current Pentagon chief, who has served in National Guard, said that he is very proud of men and women of National Guard who are on streets to perform important task at risk of ir own welfare. However, Esper me it clear that he doesn’t support invoking Insurrection Act.

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“ option to use active-duty forces in a law enforcement role should only be used as a matter of last resort and only in most urgent and dire of situations. We are t in one of those situations w. I do t support invoking Insurrection Act,” said Defense Secretary.

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11:02 IST, June 5th 2020