Three Republican-led states will be deploying hundreds of National Guard members to Washington, DC, to bolster President Trump’s crackdown on crime and homelessness in the nation’s capital.
West Virginia will be sending up to 400 troops, South Carolina has pledged 200 and Ohio will dispatch 150 in the coming days, the three states announced on Saturday.
“We stand ready to support our partners in the National Capital Region and contribute to the collective effort of making our nation’s capital a clean and safe environment,” Maj. Gen. Jim Seward of the West Virginia National Guard said.
The Mountain State’s governor, Patrick Morrisey, added: “West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation’s capital,” adding that the mission “reflects our shared commitment to a strong and secure America.”
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced the deployment of 200 National Guard personnel from the Palmetto State to DC, but said the troops could be recalled in the event of a major national disaster such as a hurricane.
He said the deployment was part of Trump’s efforts to restore law and order in Washington, and in response to a request from the National Guard Bureau at the Pentagon.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, meanwhile, said he was sending 150 military police officers to support the DC National Guard.
“These Ohio National Guard members will carry out presence patrols and serve as added security,” he said in a statement.
None of the members — who are expected to arrive in DC within the coming days — are currently serving as law enforcement officers within the Buckeye State, DeWine said.
The deployments of 750 troops from the three states would bring the total number of National Guard personnel within the capital to over 1,450.
So far, National Guard members have played a limited role in the federal intervention.
Troops have been spotted patrolling landmarks such as the National Mall and Union Station, as well as assisting law enforcement with tasks such as crowd control.
With Post wires
