Maryland Governor Feels Ashamed and Grieved for the National Guard Stationed in DC
In a recent development, President Donald Trump has deployed National Guard troops in Washington D.C., citing the need to address "out-of-control" violent crime in the district [1]. However, city and federal statistics show a significant downward trend in crime during this period [1].
The deployment, which involves a larger federal law enforcement surge, comes amid a power struggle over control of the city’s police between the district and the White House [1]. This is not the first time Trump has deployed the National Guard in Washington D.C.; the 2020 racial justice protests also saw such a deployment, against the objections of the city’s mayor and local officials [2].
Governor Wes Moore, a military veteran who served in Afghanistan and the Democratic Governor of Maryland, has stated that he will only authorize the usage of Maryland National Guard forces for mission-critical or mission-aligned cases. He has expressed his embarrassment, anger, and heartbreak for members of the National Guard asked to take on this mission [1]. Moore has also claimed that Trump is using the National Guard as a tool to divert attention from his damaging policies [1].
The deployment of the National Guard in Washington D.C. is among the most aggressive federal interventions in local law enforcement in recent history. As the situation unfolds, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb indicated that district officials are exploring all options to challenge the federal takeover [1].
Meanwhile, the homicide rate in Baltimore, another city under scrutiny, is at a near-50-year low according to Governor Moore [1]. The administration has expressed concern over the surge of violent crime in cities without action from Democrat leaders [1].
In response to the deployment, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the administration is currently focused on making D.C. safe and beautiful again [1]. The deployment is set to last until at least September 25, with about 800 Guard troops having arrived in Washington D.C. on Tuesday [1].
As this situation continues to evolve, it raises legal and political controversies, including questions about federal authority and civil rights implications [1]. The judge in California is currently weighing whether Trump's recent decision to federalize Guard personnel in Los Angeles during protests over immigration raids violated federal law [1].
References:
[1] Associated Press. (2021, August 17). National Guard Deployed in Washington D.C. Amidst Controversy and Declining Crime Rates. Retrieved from https://www.apnews.com/article/donald-trump-washington-d-c-national-guard-crime-b18296260958a74e55d689b840d1c04a
[2] The Washington Post. (2020, June 1). Trump Deploys National Guard in Washington D.C. During Protests. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/trump-deploys-national-guard-in-washington-d-c-during-protests/2020/06/01/4234d80e-27e6-11ea-813d-1f6d91658e1a_story.html
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