SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – As protests continue in California, some people are questioning the federal government’s military response.

Wednesday morning a reporter in Washington D-C asked South Dakota Senator John Thune about the message the president is sending by deploying thousands of National Guard troops to the protests.

“Do you see an inconsistency when the president criticizes and condemns the violent Los Angeles protesters. But then pardoned the violent January 6th protestors?” a reporter asked.

“I mean I think the issue that’s in front of us right now is the chaos in LA. And clearly the local officials there, for whatever reason didn’t seem up to the task of getting the job done there. And I think that as Senator wicker pointed out, it’s kind of a political imperative honestly, because one of the most fundamental questions, most people most folders ask is, is my family. Safe, is my neighborhood safe is my community safe. Is my country safe?” Thune said.

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