Washington, DC Mayor has called in the National Guard in response to Trump’s promise of a “big, wild” protest on January 6.
According to the reports, a defense official confirmed that Mayor Muriel Bowser requested for the National Guard to be activated ahead of Wednesday, January 6, when the Congress is expected to confirm Joe Biden’s election win.
Following Bowser’s request, some 340 National Guard troops will be dispatched to the streets of D.C. where they will be present from January 5 to 7.
As the US defense official insisted, the troops won’t be armed and won’t wear body armor. They will be tasked with traffic control and helping with the protest throughout the city.
The decision to call in the National Guard follows as Trump refuses to concede defeat and continues to attack the election based on groundless fraud allegations.
Previously, Trump vowed to hold a “big” and “wild” protest in Washington, D.C. on January 6.
“Statistically impossible to have lost the 2020 Election. Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!” he wrote in his tweet.
As the milestone date continues to draw closer, Trump has reassured that he will be present at the protest. “I will be there. Historic day!” he tweeted on Sunday.
Ahead of January 6, Bowser has warned people to avoid confrontations with protesters “looking for a fight.” She also encouraged people to stay away from downtown DC.
“We will not allow people to incite violence, intimidate our residents or cause destruction in our city,” The Mayor said.
While the Guard will reportedly run traffic control points and engage in crowd management throughout the city, they will not be present at the US Capitol and the National Mall.
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Replaced!