U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno, a Republican from Westlake, has raised concerns regarding the ability of Los Angeles to host the 2028 Olympics and upcoming international soccer matches due to ongoing civil unrest in the city.
During a Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs subcommittee hearing focused on the security preparations for large upcoming sporting events in the United States, Moreno proposed that the events be relocated to regions that can ensure law and order.
Moreno emphasized the need for adequate protections for both American citizens and the expected influx of visitors. He stated, “Why fight the upward battle of what is clearly an administration, both locally and at the state level, that’s just unwilling to follow basic civil protections?”
In response to these comments, Reynold Hoover, a retired lieutenant general in the U.S. Army and CEO of the non-profit group orchestrating the Olympic and Paralympic Games, asserted that he has witnessed extraordinary coordination among various government levels to ensure security.
Hoover expressed confidence that, once the Olympics commence in July 2028, the world would witness America at its finest.
Moreno, however, expressed skepticism about the capabilities of local leaders in Los Angeles, criticizing them for what he perceives as a failure to enforce the law amid protests that began on June 6 following a series of federal immigration raids.
The protests have drawn differing responses, with President Donald Trump labeling the demonstrators as “insurrectionists.” In contrast, California officials, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, argue that the protests are localized and that Trump’s decision to dispatch 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines exacerbated the situation.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has stated that Trump’s actions were an illegal overreach, vowing that the state would seek legal action to counter what he termed a blatant abuse of power, suggesting that Trump violated California’s sovereignty.
Describing the disorder in Los Angeles, Moreno stated, “total and complete chaos” exists even in the absence of major events. He further suggested that there are many other locations across the United States that would be better suited for hosting such significant events.
“When you don’t have local officials who will do the bare minimum to protect their own citizens, how are they going to protect people coming in to visit?” he questioned, alluding to potential dangers from terror groups and drug cartels.
Moreno criticized local leaders, saying they are neglecting their responsibilities, stating, “You have the governor and the mayor saying the President of the United States is doing too much to protect businesses and to protect their own civilians. How are we not heading towards a complete and utter disaster?”
In a direct challenge to Hoover’s optimism, Moreno expressed trust in Hoover’s capacity but none in Bass or Newsom’s ability to maintain order. He proposed that both the mayor of Los Angeles and the governor of California should be summoned to explain their plans to ensure improved behavior for the upcoming events in 2026 and 2028.
Moreno mentioned that Los Angeles is also set to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, underscoring the significance of adequate security for these high-profile events.
U.S. Senator James Lankford, chair of the subcommittee, reminded attendees that President Donald Trump had advocated for bringing the Olympics to Los Angeles during his presidency.
Lankford concluded by emphasizing the commitment to welcome the world to the United States, aiming to ensure both security and a demonstration of freedom, inviting global participants to experience that freedom in America.
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