CNN analyst Brian Stelter warned that riot footage may mislead the public during the ongoing anti-ICE protests across Los Angeles. His claim that videos give a false impression of events sparked outrage among critics who say the media is downplaying violence in Democrat-led cities.
“You might be looking at a video of something, wondering what’s happening in L.A.—it’s actually from two days ago,” Stelter said Monday. “It only matters because it can give people a false impression of what’s actually happening at a moment of unrest.”
Stelter urged viewers to scrutinize timestamps, adding, “You gotta be careful at a delicate moment like this to look at the timestamps, look at the dates, look at when things are actually posted and if they’re really from the situation they’re purporting to be.”
His remarks came as footage flooded social media showing rioters shutting down the 101 Freeway, smashing cars, looting stores, and clashing with police. Though CNN’s coverage questioned the videos’ timelines, law enforcement confirmed the violence was current and ongoing.
President Donald Trump responded by deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen and later another 700 Marines to restore order and defend federal buildings.
Democrats echoed Stelter’s skepticism. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) claimed, “There was no violence. I was on the street. I know.” She insisted, “Nobody was shot. Nobody was killed. Get it in your head.”
Vice President Kamala Harris also downplayed the unrest, saying the riots have been “overwhelmingly peaceful.”
The administration has taken a firm stance against the violence. ICE Director Tom Homan reported 158,000 illegal immigrants arrested under Trump, with 75% having criminal convictions or pending charges.
Despite the images of destruction, some in the media continue to deny the reality.
