WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released a statement after violence erupted in Portland this weekend when Antifa rioters allegedly hurled “smoke grenades, paint-filled balloons and fireworks,” at Republican gubernatorial candidate and supporters during an event, reportedly injuring two people.
“The Antifa criminals in Portland had the clear goal of violence. They attempted to thwart the democratic process by suppressing free speech and our First Amendment right to peacefully assemble,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Free speech applies to everyone, not just those who extremists deem worthy.”
Reports said that police took over 20 minutes to respond to the incident due to personnel and resource shortages.
Background
Cassidy has opposed Democrats’ “Defund the Police” efforts and introduced the BLUE Act, which funds the police and derail Democrats’ anti-law enforcement agenda. Last month, he also introduced the Law Enforcement De-escalation Training Act, which would give law enforcement the resources to respond more effectively to people with mental or behavioral health issues.
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