Fact Check: "A U.S Marine holds a rifle outside of a federal building, Friday, June 13, 2025, in Los Angeles."
What We Know
On June 13, 2025, U.S. Marines were deployed to Los Angeles to guard federal buildings amidst ongoing protests against immigration raids. Reports confirm that Marines were seen wearing combat gear and carrying rifles while stationed outside the Wilshire Federal Building in Los Angeles (AP News, CBS News). This deployment followed a week of protests against the Trump administration's immigration policies, which had sparked significant unrest in various cities across the United States (New York Times).
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the deployment, calling it a "serious breach of state sovereignty" and a power grab by the federal government (AP News). The Marines took over security duties from National Guard members, indicating a significant federal presence in response to the protests (CBS News, News and Sentinel).
Analysis
The claim that a U.S. Marine was holding a rifle outside a federal building in Los Angeles on June 13, 2025, is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press and CBS News both reported on the Marines' deployment, confirming their presence and the nature of their duties (AP News, CBS News). The New York Times also provided context regarding the protests and the military's involvement, highlighting the legal and political ramifications of such a deployment (New York Times).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The Associated Press, in particular, is a reputable wire service that provides news to various outlets, ensuring a broad dissemination of verified information.
While there may be differing opinions on the appropriateness of military involvement in domestic law enforcement, the factual basis of the Marines' presence and their actions on that date is well-documented. The protests were indeed a response to federal immigration policies, and the deployment of Marines was part of the government's strategy to manage public safety during this period of unrest (News and Sentinel).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that a U.S. Marine held a rifle outside a federal building in Los Angeles on June 13, 2025, is accurate. This assertion is supported by multiple reliable news sources that documented the Marines' deployment in response to protests against immigration enforcement. The evidence clearly indicates that Marines were present and actively guarding federal buildings during this time.
