WASHINGTON –
The District of Columbia National Guard is activating approximately 250 personnel to support local law enforcement in response to potential First Amendment demonstrations.
On behalf of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, Dr. Christopher Rodriguez, Director of the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, has requested D.C. Guardsmen to assist police with street closures at multiple intersections in order to provide safety in and around pedestrian areas.
“At the request of Dr. Rodriguez, Director of the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, the District of Columbia National Guard is in a support role to the Metropolitan Police Department and 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.”
The DCNG is approved to continue support to D.C. and law enforcement as needed until May 9. This support is a part of the portfolio of the D.C. National Guard, and our team is uniquely qualified to conduct this mission.
The D.C. National Guard remains strong with soldiers and airmen available to execute its requested missions. Capital Guardsmen reside within the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, and are proud to be from the communities they protect and serve.