As protests continue across the country for a fourth week since the killing of George Floyd by a White police officer, certain states and the nation's capital are activating National Guard members.
"We always have people ready to go at any given time, but by being activated, it creates an easier flow. So we won't have to bring people straight out of their beds, like we did last time, on to the street,” said Staff Sgt. Sergeant Anthony Small.
Guardsmen like Small are being activated once again after recent clashes with police during protests over a statue in front of the White House. And President Trump has threatened to use force against anyone who attempts to make an autonomous zone in the district. But the military wants to make it clear — they are only there to support local law enforcement.
“For this mission, we are unarmed. And we are members of this community. And that's the key. So when you see me, don't think of me as somebody from out of town. I'm your neighbor, I'm your friend,” Small said.
During a roundtable with military leaders, Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy said they are doing everything they can to have a non-threatening presence while protecting the rights of protesters, after many expressed fear when a helicopter hovered over demonstrators in recent weeks. McCarthy said use of the helicopter is under investigation. But he also stressed his soldiers and airmen showed great restraint, even after seven were injured when they were struck in the head with bricks during the D.C. protests.
“It shows the level of concern when you put a uniformed personnel on city streets. We have been very proud, in particular here in the capital, that our soldiers did not put a hand on a civilian. … But we are doing the best we can to de-escalate and keep this with the law enforcement community,” McCarthy said.
But a major concern not discussed during the meeting? The threat of an anti-government extremist group called the Boogaloo. The area has been put on alert. The June 15 assessment from the Department of Homeland Security states these individuals may disguise themselves as demonstrators so they can incite violence.
When asked if Guardsmen are concerned about their safety, Small said this is what they prepare for.
“The D.C. National Guard is ready to protect the city at all costs,” Small said. “When I step out on the Mall, or Lafayette Square where people are protesting, I see people I know. And me being there, I'm there to help protect them and let them do their peaceful protest. And that's what it means to me.”
For now, around 400 members of the Guard are on standby to help local law enforcement if needed.
