Just over a week after President Donald Trump announced plans to employ the D.C. National Guard and federalize the Metropolitan Police Department to combat rising crime in Washington, six states are mobilizing their National Guard troops to support this initiative. Troops from Ohio, West Virginia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee are on the way to the capital, with over 2,000 National Guard members expected to join in the effort. Approximately 1,300 have already arrived, including around 500 from West Virginia currently in briefings about their deployment.
On Monday, officials from Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana confirmed the dispatch of their National Guard units. Mississippi is sending 200 troops, Tennessee is contributing 160, and Louisiana is deploying 135. South Carolina is also sending 200 troops, while Ohio intends to contribute 150. These states are responding directly to requests from the Department of the Army, indicating a coordinated response to the crime wave affecting the city.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine emphasized his state’s commitment, stating, “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.” He noted that these guardsmen will conduct presence patrols and enhance security, stressing that they are not current law enforcement officers in Ohio.
The White House remarked that the National Guard will play a critical role in safeguarding federal assets and creating a secure environment for law enforcement. A spokesperson noted, “President Trump appreciates and welcomes additional assistance from local and state officials that want to join the operation to protect our cherished capital from dangerous criminals.” The commitment of additional troops underscores a broader aim to restore order in a city plagued by concerns over crime.
Trump had first suggested utilizing National Guard resources in early August following violent incidents, promising that troops would help restore law, order, and safety in Washington. “I’m deploying the National Guard to help reestablish law, order and public safety in Washington, D.C.,” he stated confidently during a press conference.
Despite the administration’s actions, Washington officials have reacted with skepticism. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit claiming the federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department is an overreach of authority, calling it “the gravest threat to Home Rule DC has ever faced.” Meanwhile, Mayor Muriel Bowser criticized the motives behind deploying troops, suggesting it aligns more with immigration enforcement rather than genuine concerns about urban crime.
The situation in Washington continues to evolve, with officials divided on the effectiveness and intent behind the deployment of military forces amidst the ongoing challenges facing the city.
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