Rand Paul slams Trump reversal on military gear for local police

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) on Monday denounced the Trump administration’s plan to reverse a ban on local and state police arming themselves with military equipment, saying it would encroach on Americans’ liberties.

Paul criticized the decision in a series of tweets, saying that the move would “subsidize militarization” and provide “an illusive and dangerous, or false, security” to Americans. 

Americans must never sacrifice their liberty for an illusive and dangerous, or false, security. I disagree with AG Jeff Sessions on 1033…

— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) August 28, 2017 

The militarization of our law enforcement is due to an unprecedented expansion of government power in this realm.

— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) August 28, 2017 

It’s one thing for fed officials to work w/ local authorities to reduce or solve crime. It’s another for them to subsidize militarization.

— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) August 28, 2017

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced earlier in the day that President Trump will sign an executive order on Monday that lifts the controversial ban on the so-called 1033 Pentagon program, reversing policies imposed by the Obama administration.

{mosads}Trump, who largely campaigned on restoring “law and order,” will reopen the gates for police to militarize their departments with heavy-duty arms including armed aircraft, armored vehicles, grenade launchers, bayonets, and high-caliber guns and ammunition. 

In 2015, then-President Barack Obama halted the 1033 program after images surfaced showing heavily armed police forces responding to protesters in Ferguson, Mo.

“Those restrictions went too far,” Sessions said on Monday.

“We will not put superficial concerns above public safety. All you need to do is turn on a TV right now to see that for Houstonians this isn’t about appearances, it’s about getting the job done and getting everyone to safety,” he added, referring to the flood-ravaged Texas city.

Paul, who has largely advocated for a hands-off government system, said he will oppose the reinstated program and fight any funding bill for it in the Senate.

I will oppose this move by the AG and administration. And I will continue to fight for our civil liberties and criminal justice reform.

— Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) August 28, 2017