Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown have done a “deplorable” job of restoring order after months of riots, according to MSNBC host Joe Scarborough.
Scarborough, a former Republican congressman, urged Wheeler and Brown to call in the National Guard if they cannot stop the unrest following the shooting death of a man on Saturday night. The Morning Joe host noted that the city has been continuously out of control throughout the summer following the death of George Floyd on Memorial Day.
“Portland’s mayor and Oregon’s governor have been deplorable in the ongoing crisis gripping the city. The chaos continues nightly. If they can’t control their streets and keep their citizens safe from agitators and anarchists, then call in the National Guard. This has to stop now,” Scarborough tweeted.
Portland’s mayor and Oregon’s governor have been deplorable in the ongoing crisis gripping the city. The chaos continues nightly. If they can’t control their streets and keep their citizens safe from agitators and anarchists, then call in the National Guard. This has to stop now.
— Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) August 30, 2020
Some of Scarborough’s followers questioned why the host decided to speak out about the violence on Sunday when unrest in the city has taken place for more than 90 days. Police in Portland have declared riots or unlawful assemblies dozens of times across those nightly demonstrations.
Scarborough argued that he had been concerned about the city since the protests and riots started.
“I’ve been condemning the chaos in Portland for some time now. I’m still worried about the safety of citizens and the destruction of family businesses and property. And yes. I’m also deeply offended that rioters think they can set fire to federal buildings. I’m sure you are, too,” he tweeted in response to one.
“Actually, I’ve always been against rioting and looting. So has the @naacp, @WhipClyburn, @TheRevAl, @repjohnlewis, and civil rights leaders. Aren’t you?” he tweeted in response to another critic.
I’ve been condemning the chaos in Portland for some time now. I’m still worried about the safety of citizens and the destruction of family businesses and property. And yes. I’m also deeply offended that rioters think they can set fire to federal buildings. I’m sure you are, too.
— Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) August 30, 2020
Actually, I’ve always been against rioting and looting. So has the @naacp, @WhipClyburn, @TheRevAl, @repjohnlewis, and civil rights leaders. Aren’t you?
— Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) August 30, 2020
Scarborough, who was once friendly with President Trump, has emerged as one of his most vociferous critics over the past few years along with his co-host and wife Mika Brzezinski.
Trump has been urging leaders in Oregon to accept his offer of additional troops to quash the riots, but so far they have refused.
