Donald Trump aimed to rally support among California Republicans on Friday. He touched on various topics, including criticizing the smell of wealthy residents in Beverly Hills due to water restrictions, perpetuating false claims about election fraud, and advocating for aggressive police responses to store robberies.

While many of Trump’s comments during the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim revisited his well-known criticisms and grievances, his call for violent retribution against criminals represented a significant escalation of his long-standing tough-on-crime stance.

“We will immediately put an end to all looting and theft. Plain and simple: If you engage in a store robbery, you should fully anticipate the possibility of being shot as you exit that store,” he declared, receiving enthusiastic applause. He emphasized the word “shot” for added effect.

Trump: “Very simply, if you rob a store, you can fully expect to be shot as you are leaving that store. Shot!” pic.twitter.com/mJQJ9ZF41x

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 29, 2023