‘According to their mission’: Officials say that the National Guard patrolling in Washington DC may be ‘armed’; Residents sound worry

Members of the National Guard patrolling in the US capital as part of President Donald Trump’s policing scheme may soon carry arms, a guard spokesman confirmed on Sunday.Senior Master SGT Craig Clapper of the Army was quoted by NPR, saying “guard members could suit their missions and training.”He insisted that his role was focused on “supporting citizen authorities and ensuring safety of the community served by him, saying that the guard is committed to assisting the Colombia district and serving his inhabitants and visitors whenever called.”A few days ago, the army said that the guard personnel would not publicly carry arms and would not arrest. At that point, the authorities insisted that their weapons would remain in the arsenal, used only when needed, and the soldiers deployed will be served as a “visible crime preventive”, while the body is equipped with protective gear such as armor.

Trump federals Policing in Washington

Deployment follows the announcement of President Trump earlier this month that the federal government will control the metropolitan police department and flood Washington with hundreds of federal law enforcement officers and National Guard members.According to the news agency AP, around 800 DC guard members have already become active. On Saturday, Republican Governors of West Virginia, South Carolina and Ohio promised to send additional reinforcement between every 150 and 400 soldiers to strengthen the federal appearance.According to AP, Governor Patrick Morris said, “West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in its attempt to restore pride and beauty in the capital of our country.”Trump has defended the acquisition, claiming that the city “overtakes the violent gangs and blood criminals, provoking the crowd of wild youth, frenzy and homeless people have been thrown out of drugs.” However, official data shows that violent crime in Washington has actually fallen 26% compared to last year.

Protests and pushbacks

The move has triggered strong protests from residents, local authorities and activists, saying that federal intervention represents an overruch of power.DC Mayor Muril Boseer warned on Friday that the city’s “limited self-government has never faced the type of tests we are now facing.”On Saturday, hundreds of people marched from Dupont Circle to White House, which they described as “military business”. The protesters organized banners reading “no fascist acquisition of DC”.The 24 -year -old teacher Jamie Dickstein was quoted by AP saying that she was “very uncomfortable and worried” to detain people with “all kinds of unwanted officers” for the safety of her students. For nearly three decades, local resident John Finigan, Trump’s actions have been called “ridiculous”, which is falling.On Sunday, at the Asabari United Methodist Church, Rev Ronald Bell Junior used his teachings to call black leaders to guide the community through peace. Bell, who had previously served in Minnesota during unrest after killing George Floid, said, “I think we have learned a lesson from the past. I think we are well equipped to handle this moment.”

Concern over law enforcement role

Some experts have also raised an alarm about taking Quacing-Poicing Duties about the National Guard. Rosa Brooks, Professor of a Georgetown Law and former Reserve Officer of Metropolitan Police Department, was quoted saying, “I think what we are seeing is an attempt to make people habits for the idea that you are going to keep armed federal personnel in your business, asking questions, stopping you, and it is really frightening.,Posse comitatatus Act restrictions the use of federal armed forces in civil law enforcement, unless especially authorized by the Congress. But guards Troops, who work under state control, are recently deployed in cities with federal, sometimes, to patrol the New York City Transit System.

White House claims success

Despite the criticism, the White House insisted that Trump’s crack was working. Officials said 308 people were arrested in Washington from 7 August, which involved 135 migrants living illegally in the US. He said that 53 firearms were confiscated.Spokesperson Taylor Rogers said on Sunday, “President Trump’s adventure is making our country’s capital safe quickly.” “In less than ten days, more than 300 dangerous criminals have already been arrested and taken to the streets of Washington, DC President Trump is reaching the promise of his campaign to clean the city and restore American greatness in our fundamental capital.”