Gov. Steve Sisolak said President Donald Trump is “stoking racial tensions and creating division” by asking governors to have national guards “dominate the streets” and suggesting he might unilaterally deploy the military into states to quell protests.

The Democratic governor issued the statement Monday evening in light of Trump’s comments earlier in the day suggesting he might invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 to address civil unrest. Sisolak, who as governor is commander-in-chief of the Nevada National Guard, said guard members have been helping with COVID-19 testing and are on standby as demonstrations continue in Nevada.

"To suggest that the authorities in Nevada—local law enforcement, the National Guard—are unable, have failed, or refuse to secure and protect the residents of the State of Nevada and their rights, privileges, and immunities, is misinformed,” Sisolak said.

In the days after George Floyd was killed at the hands of Minneapolis police, Nevada has seen a series of peaceful Black Lives Matter protests but also acts of vandalism, including people who smashed windows out of Reno City Hall, set vehicles ablaze and looted businesses. Police have responded by deploying tear gas, shooting non-lethal projectiles and arresting hundreds of people, and some jurisdictions have imposed curfews.

“I have already denounced violence and destruction of property. I do so again here,” Sisolak said in a statement. “But I also want to acknowledge the peaceful protesters whose voices reflect the degree to which many Americans are justifiably frustrated and angry at the senseless murder of George Floyd, the improper use of force, systemic racism, and the rampant injustices Black Americans face.”

Trump said in the Rose Garden on Monday that if cities and states weren’t doing enough to defend their citizens and property, “then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.” The Insurrection Act would give him grounds to do so absent the direct request of a governor for federal help.

The president also criticized governors earlier in the day, saying in a video teleconference with them that “most of you are weak.”

Sisolak said Trump “has once again taken the path of inciting combativeness, stoking racial tensions, and creating division when we need unity more than ever.”