Washington’s “cleaning” wanted by Donald Trump began. “At this stage, the 800 members of the National Guard were mobilized […] And they are now here, in our capital, “said Kingsley Wilson, spokesperson for the Pentagon.
These reserve soldiers will have the mission of attending Washington police and federal forces in the protection of monuments, the production of safety patrols in the neighborhoods, monitoring of installations and traffic control. They will remain “until public order is restored in the city, as decided by the president”.
The soldiers could be armed
Donald Trump announced Monday to maintain order in Washington under the direct control of his administration, denouncing a city “invaded by violent gangs” which he intends to “clean”. However, official data indicate a drop in violent crime in the capital.
According to USA Todaythe soldiers deployed in Washington will not carry weapons for monument surveillance, but the situation could evolve if their missions were to change, in particular alongside the police.
Extended powers to assist the police
If this is the case, they could be equipped with pistols or rifles, with a model determined in official order. The national guards will have the capacity to hold people to give them to the police, but will not be able to make arrests themselves. In addition, the police of the capital have received the order to cooperate with the immigration services.
Our file on the United States
The legal specificity of the Columbia district allows its National Guard, placed directly under the authority of the President, to exercise certain prolongers of order forbidden to the national guards of other states. Soldiers residing within 80 kilometers will sleep at home, while the others will be housed in military bases or hotels.