West Virginia National Guard Deploys Amid Escalating Federal Policing in D.C.

Washington D.C. is witnessing an escalated federal presence as hundreds of West Virginia National Guard members have begun deploying to the nation’s capital. This deployment, announced Saturday by West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, is part of the Trump administration’s sweeping initiative to overhaul policing in D.C., citing a need for a federal crackdown on crime and homelessness.

The move follows President Trump’s executive order earlier this week, which federalized local police forces and activated approximately 800 D.C. National Guard troops. Governor Morrisey stated West Virginia is “proud to stand with President Trump” in his efforts. While a White House official confirmed Saturday that deployed Guard members “may be armed,” they will not be making arrests, primarily focusing on protecting federal assets and supporting law enforcement. This clarification marks a reversal from earlier guidance.

The heightened federal control has been met with significant local opposition. The D.C. Attorney General has filed a lawsuit, characterizing the federal intervention as a “hostile takeover” of the city’s police force. Protests erupted Saturday at Dupont Circle, with demonstrators marching to the White House under banners decrying a “fascist takeover” and “military occupation.”

City officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, have expressed deep concern over the unprecedented challenge to D.C.’s limited self-governance, despite being legally obliged to cooperate with the federal order. The administration recently reversed an order to appoint an “emergency police commissioner” after legal challenges, though a subsequent memo directs the Metropolitan Police Department to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. President Trump’s initial order declared an emergency due to the city’s “failure to maintain public order,” a claim disputed by district officials who note violent crime rates are lower than during Trump’s first term.

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