Fact Check: Gavin Newsom stated that democracy is 'under assault right before our eyes' during a speech he delivered on a Tuesday following protests in Los Angeles.

Fact Check: "Gavin Newsom stated that democracy is 'under assault right before our eyes' during a speech he delivered on a Tuesday following protests in Los Angeles."

What We Know

On a Tuesday evening, California Governor Gavin Newsom delivered a speech addressing the ongoing protests in Los Angeles against federal immigration raids. In this televised address, he explicitly stated, “Democracy is under assault right before our eyes — the moment we’ve feared has arrived” (source-2). This speech was part of a broader critique of President Trump's actions, particularly the deployment of military forces to manage the protests, which Newsom characterized as a threat to democratic norms (source-1). His remarks were made in the context of heightened tensions and civil unrest in the city, marking the fifth day of protests (source-3).

Analysis

The claim that Newsom stated democracy is "under assault right before our eyes" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The New York Times reported on the speech, highlighting Newsom's assertion that the current political climate represents a perilous moment for democracy (source-2). Additionally, MSNBC and other outlets echoed this sentiment, confirming the exact phrasing used by Newsom (source-5).

The context of the speech is crucial; it was delivered during a significant civil rights moment, with Newsom framing the situation as one where authoritarianism could take root if left unchecked. His comments were not only directed at the immediate situation in Los Angeles but also served as a broader warning about the implications of Trump's governance (source-4).

The reliability of the sources reporting on this claim is high, as they include major news organizations like The New York Times and MSNBC, known for their journalistic standards. However, it is important to note that coverage of political figures can sometimes carry inherent biases, particularly in a polarized political environment. Despite this, the consistency of the reporting across multiple outlets lends credibility to the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. Gavin Newsom did indeed state that democracy is "under assault right before our eyes" during his speech following the protests in Los Angeles. This statement is well-documented and supported by multiple reliable sources, confirming the accuracy of the claim.

Sources

1. Governor Newsom's Address to California: Democracy at a Crossroads
2. Newsom Says Trump Is Destroying U.S. Democracy
3. The 2028 Subtext of Newsom's Speech
4. VIDEO: 'Democracy is next,' Gov. Newsom warns
5. Newsom: "Democracy is under assault" by Trump - MSNBC
6. 'Democracy is under assault right before our eyes'
7. Newsom's 'Democracy is under assault' speech could turn political tides
8. Gavin Newsom delivers scathing criticism of Trump