Hundreds of National Guard troops from West Virginia to be dispatched to Washington, D.C.
In a recent development, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the deployment of 300 to 400 West Virginia National Guard members to the District of Columbia. This move is part of the Trump administration's effort to federalize and strengthen policing in D.C. following an executive order.
The West Virginia National Guard members will join the existing National Guard deployment and federal law enforcement officers temporarily assigned to Washington. Their role involves assisting in a federal crackdown on crime and homelessness in the city. The troops are supporting local law enforcement by patrolling streets and key metro stations but are not authorized to make arrests.
Governor Morrisey confirmed that the troops would arrive with specialized equipment and training to help restore "pride and beauty" to the capital. Maj. Gen. James Seward highlighted that the Guard's capabilities make them an invaluable partner in this initiative alongside D.C. law enforcement. Troops have been positioned in heavily trafficked areas such as major metro stations and other public spaces to support crime reduction efforts.
The deployment is part of a broader federal response including activation of about 800 D.C. National Guard troops and federal agents. Local city leaders, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, have had mixed reactions but are legally obligated to cooperate with the federal takeover of policing efforts under the federal laws that direct the district's local governance.
Mayor Bowser has expressed that if Washingtonians stick together, they will show the nation what it looks like to fight for American democracy. She has also written a letter to city residents, stating that Washington D.C. has never faced a test like the current situation.
The Trump administration's overhaul of policing in the District of Columbia includes reversing course on an order that aimed to place the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration as an "emergency police commissioner." However, federal agents and National Guard troops have begun to appear in the heavily Democratic city after President Trump's executive order on Monday.
The protest against Mr. Trump's intervention drew scores to Dupont Circle on Saturday, with demonstrators holding signs that said "No fascist takeover of D.C." and "No military occupation." The White House official stated that National Guard members deployed to D.C. "may be armed," but they will not make arrests.
[1] Source: News Source 1 [2] Source: News Source 2
- The deployment of West Virginia National Guard members to Washington D.C. is part of a broader federal response aimed at addressing crime and homelessness in the city, under the Trump administration's efforts to strengthen policing.
- Governor Morrisey's announcement of the deployment includes the allocation of specialized equipment and training to the troops, with their role being to assist in patrolling streets and key metro stations, but not making arrests.
- The Trump administration's overhaul of policing in D.C. involves the presence of federal agents and National Guard troops, inciting protests from local residents who fear a potential military occupation of the heavily Democratic city.
