DC Mayor Bowser calls on Trump to withdraw military and federal law enforcement from district, ends state of emergency

• Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser took a clear stance on the George Floyd protests Friday morning, calling on President Donald Trump to withdraw the military and extra federal law enforcement from the district's streets.
• "This multiplicity of forces can breed dangerous confusion, such as when helicopters are used in a war-like tactic to frighten and disperse peaceful protesters," Bowser wrote.
• "The safety and freedom of the residents and visitors to the District of Columbia is paramount. My view is that law enforcement should be in place to protect the rights of American citizens, not restrict them."
• In addition to her letter, Bowser also unveiled a Black Lives Matter street mural by the White House on Friday morning.

In a stern letter to President Donald Trump, Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser called on the military and extra federal law enforcement in place for the George Floyd protests to be withdrawn from the district's streets.

Bowser also announced she is lifting the city's state of emergency stemming from the protests.

—Mayor Muriel Bowser #StayHomeDC (@MayorBowser) June 5, 2020

"The protesters have been peaceful, and last night, the Metropolitan Police Department did not make a single arrest," Bowser wrote.

"Therefore, I am requesting that you withdraw all extraordinary federal law enforcement and military presence from Washington, DC."

Bowser emphasized that local police are "well equipped" to handle the demonstrations.

She also raised concerns about the aggressive tactics seen by the various agencies on scene.

—Aaron Maté (@aaronjmate) June 2, 2020

"This multiplicity of forces can breed dangerous confusion, such as when helicopters are used in a war-like tactic to frighten and disperse peaceful protesters," Bowser wrote.

The mayor concluded her letter by underscoring the importance of her constituents' safety.

"The safety and freedom of the residents and visitors to the District of Columbia is paramount. My view is that law enforcement should be in place to protect the rights of American citizens, not restrict them."