DC National Guard investigating helicopter show of force targeting protesters

[mystery-ak]

DC National Guard investigating helicopter show of force targeting protesters
by Madison Dibble
 | June 03, 2020 08:16 AM


The District of Columbia National Guard will investigate the use of helicopters to disperse protesters.

The office of Maj. Gen. William J. Walker made the announcement Tuesday after protesters filmed at least two separate helicopters flying very low on Monday night, kicking up dust and debris in an apparent show of force to clear the gatherings. One helicopter that was used appeared to have Red Cross markings, which typically signals its humanitarian use. The other appeared to be a military helicopter with Army markings.

Walker's office released a statement on Tuesday that said the D.C. National Guard “is conducting an investigation into the June 1 low-flying maneuvers by its helicopters to ensure all involved complied with applicable procedures and safety regulations.”

The investigation will determine why a medical evacuation helicopter with the Red Cross signage was used during the protests.

more
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/dc-national-guard-investigating-helicopter-show-of-force-targeting-protesters

[Fishrrman]

Actually, this sounds like a pretty good tactical move.
It worked, didn't it?

Without using any weapons, tear gas, etc.

[PeteS in CA]

The non-crazy speculation I've seen is that they were using FLIR to scan the crowd for weapons and explosives.

[txradioguy]

Actually, this sounds like a pretty good tactical move.
It worked, didn't it?

Without using any weapons, tear gas, etc.

We use that tactic all the time downrange.  Rotor wash makes for an excellent non lethal crowd dispersal tool.

The Libs are getting spun up over the fact the DC Army National Guard used their  UH-72 Lakota air ambulance helicopters, with the big red cross on them to do the crowd control.

Never mind the fact there is nothing illegal about using them.

[DB]

The non-crazy speculation I've seen is that they were using FLIR to scan the crowd for weapons and explosives.

Down low they maybe able to electronically map each cell phone ID to each user and then connect their activities to it.

I don't think these fools know how much data is collected by their own phones about their activities out rioting.

[txradioguy]

The non-crazy speculation I've seen is that they were using FLIR to scan the crowd for weapons and explosives.

@PeteS in CA I'd have to see what the nose of the helicopters looked like to be able to know if they were using FLIR.

There is a different shaped nose on the Blackhawks where the FLIR is contained and on the UH 72's they do make a scout model and the FLIR is mounted on the right rear side of the fuselage in what looks like a mount for a security camera.

And of course there are IIRC hand held models that someone could sit inside and aim at the crowd.

And considering the fact the President, the AG and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs were walking out into the middle of everything, I d be more surprised if they hadn't used FLIR to locate potential threats.