The Republican-controlled states of South Carolina and Ohio announced a decision to send National Guard troops to Washington in support of US President Donald Trump’s decree on “establishing law and order” in the capital, according to statements from the state governors.
“Governor Henry McMaster today authorized the dispatch of 200 South Carolina National Guard troops to Washington, DC. The Guardsmen will support the activities of federal law enforcement agencies in accordance with President Donald Trump’s executive order to restore law and order in the District of Columbia,” the governor said in a statement.
Ohio Governor Mike Dewine, in turn, said his state would send 150 guardsmen to Washington.
On Monday, Trump announced a number of steps by the federal authorities aimed at combating crime in Washington. By his decree, the American leader placed the Washington police under the direct control of the federal government. In addition, he sent the National Guard to Washington and threatened to send armed forces to the capital if necessary.
Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth said Tuesday that National Guard forces will arrive in the capital over the coming weeks and will remain there as long as Trump requires.