CNN’s Dana Bash Gets Shut Down for Claiming LA Riot isn’t a ‘Real Riot’ [WATCH]

Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) pushed back on CNN anchor Dana Bash during a tense exchange on State of the Union Sunday morning, as the two discussed the ongoing unrest in Los Angeles following federal immigration enforcement actions.

The segment came amid continued rioting in Los Angeles, where protests broke out Friday in response to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in downtown areas.

Demonstrators have clashed with law enforcement, thrown objects at officers, and set fires.

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Multiple reports confirm that property damage and violence escalated Saturday evening, leading President Donald Trump to deploy the National Guard.

Mullin criticized the conduct of the protesters, some of whom were seen waving Mexican flags while engaging in violence.

“They were literally out there protesting, carrying a foreign flag,” Mullin said.

“That is absolutely insane. I mean, they’re not just peaceful protesters. These are illegals. These are exactly why the president is trying to secure our border.”

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Bash responded by attempting to separate the symbolism of carrying a foreign flag from the acts of violence. “Well, carrying a flag is not illegal,” she said.

Mullin responded, “Carrying a foreign flag while you’re attacking law enforcement? It’s pretty bad.”

Dana Bash defends the LA rioters as Senator Markwayne Mullin pushes back and advocates for law and order.

MULLIN: “They were literally out there protesting, carrying a foreign flag. That is absolutely insane. I mean, they’re not just peaceful protesters. These are illegals.… pic.twitter.com/5PAOq3tXld

— DeVory Darkins (@devorydarkins) June 8, 2025

The senator’s comments were part of a broader defense of the Trump administration’s response to the situation in Los Angeles, where National Guard troops were activated Saturday to support law enforcement efforts to control the unrest.

Federal agents had reported that demonstrators surrounded a DHS facility, blocked federal vehicles, and used improvised projectiles against officers.

The conversation then turned to comparisons with previous periods of civil unrest in the city.

Bash referenced the 1992 Los Angeles riots that followed the verdict in the Rodney King case, suggesting that the current events were of a different nature.

“I just want to state for the record that what did happen in 1992 is so different from what we’re seeing now,” Bash said.

“That was a, uh, real riot that went all across the city of Los Angeles after a verdict in the Rodney King case…”

Mullin interrupted Bash’s comment, pushing back on her framing of the current events.

“Dana, we can look at this, and we obviously see that this is not under control,” Mullin said.

“A riot is a riot. They are throwing all types of objects at law enforcement, and the president is absolutely right [to send in the National Guard].”

.@DanaBashCNN suggests that what’s been happening in LA—arson, rocks thrown at moving vehicles, law enforcement being attacked—isn’t a “real riot.”

The Fake News continues to side with violent rioters over the professionals dedicated to restoring safety to our communities. Sick. pic.twitter.com/eBIixEy3FK

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 8, 2025

The protests began in response to ICE enforcement operations across Los Angeles targeting individuals with final deportation orders or criminal records.

The Department of Homeland Security has reported that protests quickly turned violent, with demonstrators blocking streets, vandalizing property, and physically engaging with federal agents.

On Saturday evening, President Trump confirmed he had authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to assist in restoring order.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “These Radical Left protests, by instigators and often paid troublemakers, will NOT BE TOLERATED.”

The Los Angeles Police Department also issued multiple dispersal orders over the weekend, confirming arrests of individuals who failed to comply.

The LAPD noted that objects were thrown at officers and that at least one federal building was targeted during the protests.

As of Sunday, National Guard forces remain active in the area, and federal officials have indicated that deportation operations will continue despite the unrest.

Additional protests are expected in the coming days.

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