DALLAS–State Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas), candidate for U.S. Senate in the July 14 Democratic Primary Runoff, issued the following Statement on Tuesday:

“The American military must not be used against peaceful protestors, period.

President Trump’s call that peaceful protestors be handled with force is the same kind of thinking that has resulted in bloodshed in this country before in our history.

Those outside agitators turning peaceful protests violent must be dealt with swiftly, and through the criminal justice system.

Yesterday, the president had a peaceful crowd outside the White House pushed away and tear gassed so he could have a photo op of himself walking to a church holding a Bible.

I encourage all Americans to continue their peaceful protests, and turn away in all instances from violence.”