The decision by West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio to deploy National Guard members has sparked protests from D.C. residents who dispute claims of rampant crime and lawlessness. President Trump recently declared a "public safety emergency" in the city, prompting these states to act. In contrast to Trump's narrative, local officials, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, have provided data showing a decrease in violent crime rates.
Republican States Dispatch National Guard to Washington, D.C.
Republican States Dispatch National Guard to Washington, D.C.
In response to President Trump's claims of lawlessness in the nation's capital, three Republican-led states will send National Guard troops to bolster security efforts in Washington, D.C.
In recent days, hundreds have rallied in protests against the Trump administration while stressing the need for local governance in public safety matters amidst the new deployment.
Three Republican-led states—West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio—announced they will be sending members of their National Guard to Washington, D.C. to assist in bolstering security. This decision follows President Donald Trump's declaration of a "public safety emergency," which he said was due to rampant crime and lawlessness in the city.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has confirmed that he will send 300-400 National Guard troops at the request of President Trump. South Carolina has committed 200 troops while Ohio will dispatch 150 military police personnel. However, local officials in Washington have disputed Trump's claims, arguing that the portrayal of D.C. as afflicted by crime is overstated. Public sentiment in the city has echoed this disagreement, as a significant majority of residents voted for Vice President Kamala Harris in the recent election.
This has resulted in protests, with hundreds of residents marching through the streets of D.C. chanting slogans like "Free DC!" and expressing their concerns about federal interventions. The Metropolitan Police Department released data showing a decrease in violent crime rates, contradicting the dire narrative touted by Trump.
Despite the increased military presence, officials like Mayor Bowser maintain that, while crime had surged in 2023 before declining, the city's crime rates are not indicative of crisis. Thus, the ongoing situation reflects the stark contrast between federal and local perspectives on public safety and governance.
Three Republican-led states—West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio—announced they will be sending members of their National Guard to Washington, D.C. to assist in bolstering security. This decision follows President Donald Trump's declaration of a "public safety emergency," which he said was due to rampant crime and lawlessness in the city.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has confirmed that he will send 300-400 National Guard troops at the request of President Trump. South Carolina has committed 200 troops while Ohio will dispatch 150 military police personnel. However, local officials in Washington have disputed Trump's claims, arguing that the portrayal of D.C. as afflicted by crime is overstated. Public sentiment in the city has echoed this disagreement, as a significant majority of residents voted for Vice President Kamala Harris in the recent election.
This has resulted in protests, with hundreds of residents marching through the streets of D.C. chanting slogans like "Free DC!" and expressing their concerns about federal interventions. The Metropolitan Police Department released data showing a decrease in violent crime rates, contradicting the dire narrative touted by Trump.
Despite the increased military presence, officials like Mayor Bowser maintain that, while crime had surged in 2023 before declining, the city's crime rates are not indicative of crisis. Thus, the ongoing situation reflects the stark contrast between federal and local perspectives on public safety and governance.
