Sen. Ossoff calls for accountability after Minnesota incidents, urges peaceful protests in Georgia
Senator condemns federal actions, cites bipartisan concern, and addresses planned protests in Macon
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff on Wednesday sharply criticized federal law enforcement actions tied to recent events in Minnesota, calling them “lawless chaos” and urging accountability, investigations, and respect for constitutional rights.
Speaking to reporters, Ossoff said masked federal agents must be restrained and held accountable, calling for an end to raids on Americans’ homes without judicial warrants, and for full investigations into the killings of American citizens.
“At stake are our basic civil liberties and constitutional rights,” Ossoff said, adding that respect for the Constitution is shared by Americans across the political spectrum.
Bipartisan concern over federal actions
Ossoff said that criticism of the federal response is not partisan, pointing to statements from Republican officials who have raised concerns in recent days.
He cited comments from Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who said lawfully carrying a firearm does not justify federal agents killing an American and called for an independent investigation. Ossoff also referenced remarks from Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who said the credibility of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security are at stake, and Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, who said the situation is unsafe for bystanders and law enforcement.
He also noted comments from Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, who said deaths shown on television have raised deep concerns over federal tactics and accountability.
Ossoff said Republican Sens. Thom Tillis and Murkowski have joined calls for the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Christy Noem.
Calls for investigations and oversight
Ossoff said continued assaults, warrantless raids, and killings by federal agents erode Americans’ freedom and civil liberties. He called for all killings involving federal agents to be fully investigated and urged leaders across Georgia from both political parties to join what he described as a bipartisan demand to protect civil liberties.
When asked about government funding, Ossoff said he opposes a government shutdown and criticized threats to shut down the government over policy disputes involving two agencies within the Department of Homeland Security. He said there are votes in the Senate to fund most federal agencies, including the Department of Defense and Department of Transportation.
Ossoff urges resignation of DHS secretary
When asked directly, Ossoff said he believes Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s resignation is “long overdue,” accusing her of incompetence and dishonesty with both Congress and the public.
He said her leadership has led to chaos and put Americans at risk, adding that impeachment proceedings would be an appropriate step if she does not resign.
Ossoff addresses planned protests in Macon
Ossoff also addressed planned protests in and around Macon, including one scheduled for Wednesday.
“The right to dissent, to peacefully assemble, and to protest is protected by our Constitution and core to our American values,” Ossoff said.
He encouraged people in Georgia and across the country to express themselves peacefully and to clearly communicate to their elected representatives what they believe needs to change.
Message to Georgians amid enforcement concerns
Responding to questions about reports and rumors of ICE activity in Georgia, Ossoff urged people to remain calm and peaceful. He said anyone with questions about federal agency activity in the state can contact his office for more information.
Ossoff said actions by what he described as ill-trained, masked federal agents undermine public safety and erode trust, including among local law enforcement.
He said ICE should focus on arresting and deporting violent criminals who are in the country illegally, rather than targeting American citizens.
