After being asked why he would actually destroy The Statue of Liberty, The president said, “If you take down one historical American monument, why not another? Would you prefer I take down Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln? Who draws that line? Do violent Antifa and Alt-Left protesters get to decide what gets taken down? Is this only their country? No! This is a nation of laws!” Riot Police and SWAT were quickly overwhelmed by protesters and counter protesters. After the first full 24 hours of rioting, the National Guard was called in to subdue the chaos with tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, and electric tasers.  This had little effect and only seemed to anger the crowds and intensify the conflict.