Republican States Send National Guard to DC Amid Crime Initiatives

Several states led by Republican governors are deploying their National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., aiming to assist President Trump in addressing crime in the capital.

West Virginia’s Governor Patrick Morrissey, South Carolina’s Governor Henry McMaster, and Ohio’s Governor Mike DeWine have announced plans to send hundreds of troops over the upcoming days, significantly bolstering the 800 D.C. National Guard members already stationed there. All three governors indicated they were responding to requests from the Trump administration.

“West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump to restore pride and beauty to our nation’s capital,” Morrissey expressed. “The men and women of our National Guard embody the best of our nation, and this mission demonstrates our shared dedication to a secure and strong America.”

Trump had previously revealed his strategy to combat rising crime in Washington during a speech last week.

“Until just four days ago, Washington, D.C. was the most dangerous ‘city’ in the United States,” Trump posted on Truth Social on Monday morning. “Now, it’s probably the safest and improving every hour!”

The National Guard’s current focus in D.C. is on federal properties, including parks and government buildings. In a Sunday announcement, the D.C. National Guard highlighted that their presence at the National Mall has received favorable reactions from the public.

Meanwhile, federal agencies, including the FBI, ATF, ICE, and others from the Department of Homeland Security, are actively patrolling popular locations in the area.

Attorney General Pam Bondy mentioned on social media that federal authorities executed 137 arrests over the weekend, contributing to a total of over 400 arrests since the initiative began.

“We’re not letting up,” she stated. “We are dedicated to making D.C. safe again!”

Despite local leaders disputing claims of a violent surge, Trump remains focused on crime in the capital. According to district statistics, violent crime has reportedly decreased by about 26% compared to last year.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser criticized the situation in a social media post, saying it feels “un-American” for soldiers and airmen to police citizens on U.S. soil.

As these developments unfold, Hurricane Erin is predicted to impact the East Coast with strong winds and potential flooding this week, prompting additional attention for emergency measures.

McMaster noted that National Guard troops are prepared to return home quickly to respond to any natural disasters threatening their states.