Baker speaks out about Boston protests, President Trump’s comments on governors’ response to riots and violence

BOSTON — Outside the Massachusetts State House crews spent all day Monday trying to clean off the vandalism from Sunday’s protests. Inside, Governor Baker was heated.

“To the criminals and cowards that tarnished last night’s peaceful protest I expect your day in court will come soon,” Gov. Baker said. “The destruction of property, the looting, the criminal attempts to injure law enforcement are unacceptable.”

Gov. Baker said it was a shame to see all the destruction take away from the strong message protesters were fighting for peacefully during the day.

“There are few things in public life more powerful than the united message in an overwhelming majority grounded in compassion, and that’s what we’ll take away from last night,” Gov. Baker said.

>>>MORE: Cleaning up the aftermath of protests that turned violent in Boston

President Trump said he’s ready to deploy the National Guard to end the violence seen in cities across the country, including Boston.

“If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them,” said President Trump Monday. “Mayors and governors must establish an overwhelming law enforcement presence until the violence has been quelled.”

After hearing Trump call governors “weak,” Gov. Baker fired back.

“At so many times during the past several weeks when the country needed compassion and leadership the most, it was simply nowhere to be found,” Gov. Baker said. “Instead we got bitterness, combativeness and self-interest. That’s not what we need in Boston, it’s not what we need right now in Massachusetts and it’s definitely not what we need across this great country of ours either.”

>>>MORE: President Trump calls for governors to ‘dominate’ rioters, urges use of National Guard troops

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