Fact Check: "Members of the California National Guard and U.S. Marines guard the entrance outside the Wilshire Federal Building, ahead of Saturday’s nationwide 'No Kings Day' protest."
What We Know
Recent reports confirm that U.S. Marines were deployed to Los Angeles to guard federal properties, including the Wilshire Federal Building, in anticipation of the "No Kings Day" protests scheduled for June 14, 2025. According to an article by the Associated Press, the Marines began their protective duties a week prior to the protests, following a series of demonstrations related to federal immigration enforcement and other issues surrounding the Trump administration (AP News). Additionally, Major General Scott Sherman, overseeing the deployment, confirmed that the Marines were tasked specifically with protecting federal law enforcement personnel and property (USA Today).
Analysis
The claim that members of the California National Guard and U.S. Marines were guarding the entrance outside the Wilshire Federal Building is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The deployment of Marines to Los Angeles was a direct response to the potential for large-scale protests against President Trump, which were expected to draw significant crowds across the country (Rolling Stone).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they include established news organizations like the Associated Press and USA Today, which have a history of accurate reporting. The information provided by these outlets is corroborated by official statements from military personnel involved in the deployment, which adds to the credibility of the claims made.
However, it is important to note that while the Marines were present, their role was explicitly stated to be non-law enforcement, focusing instead on protecting federal personnel (USA Today). This distinction is crucial in understanding the context of their deployment.
Conclusion
The claim that members of the California National Guard and U.S. Marines were guarding the entrance outside the Wilshire Federal Building ahead of the "No Kings Day" protest is True. This is supported by credible news reports and official military statements confirming the presence of Marines in Los Angeles for protective duties related to the anticipated protests.
