WASHINGTON (Washington Insider Magazine) – Several National Guard personnel will be mobilized in Washington, D.C. to assist police with traffic control in the event of anticipated demonstrations as President Joe Biden prepares to make his State of the Union address, according to government authorities.
Secretary Of Defense Lloyd Austin granted the pleas to assist with traffic management for “First Amendment demonstrations” scheduled in the following days, according to the National Guard.
Approximately 400 troops will come from Washington, D.C. According to the National Guard, up to 300 people from outside of the capital will join.
The help was sought by Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department the previous week, according to the statement. The United States Capitol Police also requested assistance on Monday.
The troops from Washington, D.C., comprising 50 heavy tactical vehicles, will offer command – and – control assistance and other support. They will also not be weaponized, and they will not assist in surveillance or police forces, according to the statement.
According to the statement, troops from outside of the city will be ready to help at Capitol access points and traffic checkpoints.
According to NBC NEWS, the news comes after police in Canada suppressed a weeks-long “Freedom Convoy” demonstration in Ottawa opposing Covid-19 regulations and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government.
QAnon followers, a combination of pro-Trump groups, and anti-vaccine activists have attempted to orchestrate similar protests in the United States, notably at the Super Bowl earlier this month in Los Angeles. Although the attempt failed, officials are prepared for Biden’s address on March 1.
Last week, the Secret Service and the United States Capitol Police revealed that they were developing a security strategy. The reinstallation of a barrier that had persisted outside the Capitol building for months following the January 6 riot was one of the possible alternatives under discussion.
Several truck convoys with various routes, starting sites, and departure dates have been coordinated through internet forums. Some are expected to arrive in time for President Obama’s State of the Union speech, while others may come later.
The operations are set to commence on Saturday and might go through Monday.
