Three states – Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia – are deploying their National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to crack down on crime and homelessness in the nation’s capital.
West Virginia will deploy 300 to 400 Guard troops, South Carolina pledged 200, and Ohio says it will send 150. This comes after President Trump’s executive order Monday activating 800 D.C. National Guard troops and federalizing local police. (RELATED: ‘We’re Taking It Back’: Trump Deploying National Guard To Streets Of Nation’s Capital)
“West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation’s capital,” Republican West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said.
“Our National Guard will work to assist President Trump’s mission, and should a hurricane or natural disaster threaten our state, they can and will be immediately recalled home to respond,” Republican South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said.
“We have been asked by the Secretary of the Army to send 150 military police from the Ohio National Guard to support the District of Columbia National Guard,” DeWine said in a statement. “These Ohio National Guard members will carry out presence patrols and serve as added security. None of these military police members are currently serving as law enforcement officers in the state of Ohio.”
A White House official told CBS News Saturday, “The National Guard is not making arrests at this time – they may be armed, consistent with their mission and training, to protect federal assets, provide a safe environment for law enforcement officers to make arrests, and deter violent crime with a visible law enforcement presence,” the White House official said Saturday.”
