Top Democrat Insists He’s ‘Never Heard’ Party Call LA Riots ‘Peaceful’ [WATCH]

As riots continue across Los Angeles in response to federal immigration enforcement operations, several top Democrats have downplayed the violence while others have broken ranks and called for stronger condemnation, as reported by Fox News.

The internal divide became more apparent this week as conflicting statements emerged from within the party over the nature of the unrest.

On Wednesday, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) said he had no knowledge of fellow Democrats referring to the protests as “peaceful.”

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Asked by a reporter outside the Capitol, “What do Democrats mean when they say the riots in L.A. are peaceful?”

Durbin responded:

“I never heard them say that.”

When pressed further, Durbin stated, “I condemn violence, whether it’s in the Capitol or in L.A.,” before walking away.

Democrat Sen. Dick Durbin openly gaslights on LA riots. Claims he never heard members of his party call them peaceful. What a liar. You’d have to live under a rock not to know that. https://t.co/lC5fQazkSt

— Mike LaChance (@MikeLaChance33) June 12, 2025

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Durbin’s comments contrast with statements made by several high-profile Democrats. On NBC’s Meet the Press, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) blamed President Donald Trump for the unrest, saying:

“A lot of these peaceful protests are being generated because the president of the United States is sowing chaos.”

“The reality is, we see peaceful protests launching in Los Angeles” – Democrat Senator Cory Booker

Unreal pic.twitter.com/6yXrqyYlbZ

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 8, 2025

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) echoed that view, telling MSNBC, “The vast majority of protesters and demonstrators are peaceful. They’re passionate.”

.@SenAlexPadilla “The vast majority of protestors and demonstrators are peaceful, they’re passionate.”

Democrats used anti-ICE rhetoric to incite violent attacks on our law enforcement, they are now calling it “peaceful & passionate.”pic.twitter.com/L2XELjtNZt

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 9, 2025

Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-CA) added on CNN, “We are having an administration that’s targeting peaceful protests.”

“The Administration is targeting a peaceful protest – he doesn’t like the scenes of people peacefully protesting”

CNN Commentator is actually serious as she says this whilst LA burns on the screen behind her.

You seriously don’t hate Legacy Media enough. pic.twitter.com/Bgh67FLIG8

— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) June 9, 2025

Former Vice President Kamala Harris also described the events as “overwhelmingly peaceful” in a post on X.

My statement on what’s unfolding in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/rujs8mrVPK

— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 8, 2025

That description prompted criticism from conservative commentators like Fox News contributor Guy Benson, who said, “Their official position is that they’re appalled by what’s happening in Los Angeles… because of Trump and ICE, not the violent rioters.”

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also weighed in, writing, “California Governor Newsom didn’t request the National Guard be deployed to his state following peaceful demonstrations. Trump sent them anyway.”

California Governor Newsom didn’t request the National Guard be deployed to his state following peaceful demonstrations.

Trump sent them anyway. It’s the first time in 60 years a president has made that choice.

Trump’s goal isn’t to keep Californians safe.

His goal is to…

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 9, 2025

However, images and footage from Los Angeles have shown widespread looting, vandalism, and assaults on law enforcement. Dozens of arrests have been made, and officers have reported being struck with rocks and other projectiles.

“Peaceful protests” – Elizabeth Warren

“Overwhelmingly peaceful” – Kamala Harris

“Peaceful protests” – Cory Booker

“It’s under control” – Gavin Newsom

“Without incident” – LAPDpic.twitter.com/gwwYHiZJ9b

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 9, 2025

On Tuesday night, Democratic Mayor Karen Bass enacted a citywide curfew in response to escalating violence.

Breaking from the party line, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) publicly criticized fellow Democrats for not speaking out more strongly against the rioting. “This is anarchy and true chaos,” Fetterman wrote Monday on X, posting a photo of vehicles engulfed in flames.

“My party loses the moral high ground when we refuse to condemn setting cars on fire, destroying buildings, and assaulting law enforcement,” Fetterman continued. “I unapologetically stand for free speech, peaceful demonstration, and immigration. But this is not that.”

I unapologetically stand for free speech, peaceful demonstrations, and immigration—but this is not that.

This is anarchy and true chaos.

My party loses the moral high ground when we refuse to condemn setting cars on fire, destroying buildings, and assaulting law enforcement. pic.twitter.com/pPYbvP6xR0

— U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) June 10, 2025

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