Gov. Spencer Cox Supports Tough Stance on Protests
SALT LAKE CITY — Governor Spencer Cox voiced strong support for President Donald Trump’s measures aimed at curbing anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, assuring Utahns that the state will be "overprepared" for any potential unrest. During his monthly press conference, Cox declared, "I want Utah to be the worst possible place to riot," emphasizing zero tolerance for violence or vandalism. "If you start to spray paint the Capitol or engage in property destruction, we will arrest you and hold you accountable."
While Cox affirmed the right to peaceful protest in Utah, he advised those looking to incite violence to head to California instead. This weekend, Utah expects to host several anti-Trump demonstrations, including events under the slogan "No Kings," coinciding with Trump’s planned military parade in Washington D.C. Fortunately, previous protests in the state have not escalated into violence.
The ongoing protests in California have prompted legal action against Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to the area. Cox, however, disagreed with California’s assertion that the troop presence is unnecessary, stating that the chaos witnessed through videos from the protests is "unconscionable" and not acceptable in a civil society.
Despite his discomfort with federal authority to deploy National Guard troops, Cox recognized its constitutional basis, expressing a states’ rights perspective. Nevertheless, he encouraged protest activities, affirming, "That’s wonderful. It’s part of the Constitution for people to express their views publicly." As Utah braces for the weekend’s demonstrations, Cox’s statements indicate an intent to balance public safety with the fundamental right to protest peacefully.
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