West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Saturday that he is deploying members of the West Virginia National Guard to Washington, D.C., in support of the Trump administration’s efforts to ramp up a military presence in the nation’s capital.
Morrisey’s office said that the National Guard mobilization will include 300-400 troops, plus “mission-essential equipment” and “specialized training.”
“West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation’s capital,” Morrisey, a Republican, said in a statement. “The men and women of our National Guard represent the best of our state, and this mission reflects our shared commitment to a strong and secure America.”
The statement also said Morrisey’s decision to deploy his state’s National Guard came after a request from the Trump administration and that the troops would be operating under the command of West Virginia’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Jim Seward.
In a statement, a White House official confirmed that the national guardsman had been called to D.C., saying, “As part of President Trump’s ongoing effort to make D.C. safe and beautiful, additional National Guard troops will be called in to Washington DC — the National Guard’s role has not changed. The National Guard will protect federal assets, create a safe environment for law enforcement officials to carry out their duties when required, and provide a visible presence to deter crime.”
The governor’s move comes just days after President Donald Trump announced that he was deploying 800 members of the National Guard to D.C. and directing federal law enforcement agents to assist local police with patrolling and executing warrants in the city.
“When you walk down the street, you’re going to see police or you’re going to see FBI agents,” Trump told reporters on Monday. “We’re going to have a lot of agents on the street. You’re going to have a lot of, essentially military. And we will bring in the military if it’s needed.”
Trump’s stated aim of cracking down on crime in Washington comes as crime rates in the city are at their lowest levels in decades.
Washington residents almost immediately began to notice an increase in law enforcement on the streets, as local police and federal law enforcement set up checkpoints in neighborhoods across the city.
Residents and tourists also noticed the increased presence of military and law enforcement around tourist-heavy areas like Union Station and the National Mall.
Initially, Attorney General Pam Bondi sought to take over control of the Metropolitan Police Department, but backed down after the city sued the Trump administration. Chief Pamela Smith remains in day-to-day control of the city’s police force.
Democrats have slammed the president’s decision, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling the move earlier this week “illegitimate” and an “unjustified power grab.”
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
