250 D.C. National Guard Activated in Advance of Derek Chauvin VerdictKristina Wong 19 Apr 2021
The District of Columbia National Guard is activating 250 members to support local law enforcement “in response to potential First Amendment demonstrations,†the agency announced Monday in a press release.
The request was made by the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, which has already been responding to a week of protests in the nation’s capital, in response to other recent police-involved incidents.
The D.C. Guardsmen were requested to assist police with street closures and multiple intersections in order to provide safety in and around pedestrian areas, the release said.
The activation comes the same day that closing arguments were made in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chavin, and ahead of potential protests against the verdict.
“We are prepared to help provide a safe environment for our fellow citizens to exercise their First Amendment right,†said Brig. Gen. Aaron R. Dean II, The Adjutant General of the D.C. National Guard.
“This is our home, and we are dedicated to the safety and security of our fellow citizens of the District and their right to safely and peacefully protest,†he added.
The activation is approved as needed through May 9.
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https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2021/04/19/250-d-c-national-guard-activated-in-advance-of-derek-chauvin-verdict/#