On Saturday, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster (R) authorized the deployment of 200 National Guard troops to help “restore law and order” in Washington, D.C., though he noted that these troops could be recalled if a disaster occurs in South Carolina.
McMaster stated, “I’ve allowed the deployment of 200 SC National Guard members and am supporting President Trump’s mission to restore order in our nation’s capital. The federal government will cover this deployment under Title 32,” as he shared on Social Media Platform X.
He also mentioned that, “Our National Guard is here to support President Trump’s mission, and if a hurricane or natural disaster poses a threat to our state, they can return home right away to respond.”
This order came shortly after West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrissey (R) announced that his state would send between 300 and 400 National Guard troops to assist in the capital.
Earlier this week, the president invoked a clause in the Home Rules Act to place the Washington Police Department under federal control, which involved deploying 800 National Guard and federal officers to patrol the streets to help address rising crime levels.
The administration indicated that numerous arrests and confiscations of firearms have occurred since the federal oversight began.
The Department of Justice appointed Terry Cole, Principal at the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), as the “Emergency Police Chief” of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), causing mixed reactions among some D.C. residents and city council members. Attorney General Brian Schwarb has filed a lawsuit against the administration regarding the appointment. After a federal judge expressed concerns, the DOJ decided to reassess its position.
Mayor Bowser (D) is attempting to reassure Washington residents amid protests against the National Guard’s deployment. In a letter on Friday, she remarked, “This has been an unpredictable week in our city. The increased federal law enforcement presence has generated significant anxiety. I was born just before the Home Rules Act was enacted.”
