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The mayor of Washington DC has called on the National Guard to assist in policing massive pro-Trump rallies taking place in the nation’s capital this week.
In a letter to the DC National Guard commanding general, Mayor Muriel Bowser claimed the military presence was required to prevent “violence” and “criminal activity.”
“As you know, First Amendment demonstrations permitted by the National Park Service are scheduled to occur in the District of Columbia on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 and Wednesday, January 6, 2021,” the letter addressed to DC National Guard Commanding General William J. Walker from Mayor Bowser states.
“As a result, District Government requests DC National Guard (DCNG) support, as these demonstrations will follow similar events on November 4, 2020 and December 12, 2020, which resulted in a large influx of participants, violence and criminal activity.”
“We will not allow people to incite violence, intimidate our residents or cause destruction in our city,” the mayor said in separate comments.
The letter states National Guard troops will support local law enforcement, will not be armed, and will not be used to surveil or search protesters.
Additionally, signs around the city serve to remind demonstrators their Second Amendment rights are suspended in designated free speech zones.
“Members of the public and anyone attending the events are reminded that District law prohibits anyone from carrying a firearm within 1,000 feet of any First Amendment activity,” states a powerpoint memo from the DC Health Dept., adding in red letters, “It is illegal to open carry firearms in the District.”
“Anyone who carries a gun at a protest or within 1,000 feet of a protest will be arrested, in line with D.C. law, the acting police chief said,” reports NBC Washington.
Concealed carry is allowed so long as a person has been issued a license by the District, according to the mayor’s office.
The military preparations suggest the rallies will be far larger than any pro-Trump demonstrations previously seen in DC.
For his part, President Trump has done his best to drum up enthusiasm for the event where he’s reportedly scheduled to speak.
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