Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson confirmed on 14/8 that army and air national guard units mobilized under President Donald Trump's orders have arrived in the capital to support city law enforcement.
"A total of 800 troops have been mobilized as part of a joint task force in Washington," Wilson said, adding that they will support the Washington Police Department and other law enforcement units in the area. The national guard will remain in the capital "until law and order is restored, as determined by the President".
The US army later issued a statement saying the initial mission of the national guard in Washington is "to ensure a presence at key public areas, acting as a visible deterrent to crime".
"They will not conduct arrests, searches, or direct law enforcement activities, but have the authority to detain individuals to prevent immediate threats," the army said, adding that troops will be equipped with protective gear and issued weapons if necessary.
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US national guard troops in Washington on 14/8. Photo: AP |
US national guard troops in Washington on 14/8. Photo: AP
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on the same day that security forces have made 45 more arrests, bringing the total to about 100 since the security operation in the capital began earlier this week. On the evening of 13/8, 29 immigrants were arrested and three illegal guns were seized.
Regarding the national guard's mission, Leavitt said the group will patrol the capital in shifts, with about 200 personnel per shift. Around 500 federal agents are also involved in "crime suppression" efforts in the area.
In the US, most national guard forces are under the command of state governors and need to be "federalized" to come under presidential control. However, in the capital, this force is solely under the president's authority.
Washington was previously run by the District of Columbia government under the supervision of the US Congress. However, on 11/8, President Trump declared a public safety emergency in Washington, invoking Section 740 of the Home Rule Act to deploy federal forces and the national guard to the city.
Federal law allows Trump to control Washington's police force for 30 days. Beyond this period, congressional approval is required, which is likely to be blocked by the Democratic Party.
Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Fox)
