Esper concerned over federal agents dressed like military troops in U.S. cities

[brooklynite]

Source: Politico

Defense Secretary Mark Esper has raised concerns within the administration about federal agents patrolling the streets of U.S. cities in camouflage uniforms similar to those worn by troops in war zones, his spokesperson said Tuesday.

After nationwide protests over racial injustice and police violence erupted in June, Esper expressed concern that in some cases, federal law enforcement officers were being confused with troops because of their similar uniforms, said Jonathan Hoffman, chief Pentagon spokesperson. Esper urged efforts to more clearly distinguish between the two, Hoffman said.

"We saw this take place back in June when there were some law enforcement that wear uniforms that make them appear military in appearance," Hoffman said. Esper has told administration officials that "we want a system where people can tell the difference."

Esper may be looking to have a conversation with Attorney General William Barr, acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf and their teams about the issue in the near future, Hoffman said, but did not specify a timeline.



Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/21/esper-federal-agents-military-protests-376381

[Thomas Hurt]

1. oh no! another concerned Republican!

[leftieNanner]

4. Damn!

You beat me to it!

[NewJeffCT]

8. I was going to call him

the male version of Susan Collins

[riversedge]

20. chuckle. good one.

[leftieNanner]

3. He must have had lunch with Susan Collins

[regnaD kciN]

24. Well, I think Esper's concerned...

...because he sees the hit his reputation is taking from his time in this administration.

Remember, Esper also publicly disassociated himself from Trump's clearing peaceful protesters for his church photo-op.

[irisblue]

5. Oh?

[C_U_L8R]

6. Esper, do something about it!

American cities are besieged by a rogue paramilitary. What does our own military do to defend our communities?

[dhill926]

7. remember that your future reputation...

depends on what you do now....

[TomCADem]

9. Trump Is Trying to Avoid The Insurrection Act...

...by arguing that the federal.agents are not military even though they look like the military. Of course, taken to its extreme, a President could just field a personal militia that is not subject to the rules limiting the use of military forces domestically.

[IronLionZion]

10. Congress has some level of oversight of DHS. Dems control the House

https://homeland.house.gov/

Maybe some funding cuts are in order, especially earmarks for military style equipment.

[yaesu]

11. yeah its a little late and a repug ploy, when things get hot throw a concern bone. nt

[mr_lebowski]

12. He's not concerned about what they're doing, just that it may reflect badly on his department ...

In case that wasn't clear ...

[PandoraAwakened]

22. Womp!

You hit the nail on the head, to be sure!

[relayerbob]

13. Oh, noez. He's "Concerned"

[Lonestarblue]

14. Shouldn't there be a law against impersonating members of the US military?

I know many people wear camouflage clothes, but they aren’t taking part in police actions without warrants or arresting people without probable cause. Trump’s secret police are deliberately trying to fool people into believing that they are US military.

[Lucky Luciano]

15. He must have quite the crush on Susan! Get a room you two!

[ArizonaLib]

16. He wore a military uniform when they gassed Lafayette Square

He has no moral capacity to discuss this. Is he just jealous of the ICE holes?

I think the only uniform this administration will arrive to concensus is a white robe and white hood. Tiki torches optional.

[keithbvadu2]

17. Retired three-star general: "This secret police bullshit" (uniforms)

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100213769890

Retired three-star general: "This secret police bullshit"

"Make a note, We need to forbid police and federal agents from using military uniforms . "

[SunSeeker]

18. Then DO something about it, Esper! nt

[Marcuse]

19. No professionalism, training, identity or accountability, only personal loyalty.

[kairos12]

21. Fainting couch with Collins.

[scarletwoman]

23. Big whoop. Talk is cheap. (nt)