President Trump activated hundreds of the District of Columbia National Guard to support local police while declaring a “crime emergency” in the US capital.
Following President Trump’s request, West Virginia is sending 300 to 400 National Guard members to Washington, DC to help with the federal takeover of the city’s police department.
Earlier this week, Trump activated hundreds of District of Columbia National Guard troops to assist local law enforcement, citing rising crime in the capital. Along with deploying 800 National Guard members, Trump announced the federal takeover of the police department.
West Virginia’s support was confirmed by Governor Patrick Morrisey on X.
“At the request of the Trump administration, I have directed the @WVNationalGuard to support the President’s initiative to make D.C. safe and beautiful. We are deploying 300-400 skilled personnel to the nation’s capital, reflecting our commitment to a strong and secure America,” Morrisey wrote on X.
The deployment was also addressed by the state’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Jim Seward, who said West Virginia was ready to assist its “partners in the National Capital Region and contribute to the collective effort of making our nation’s capital a clean and safe environment.”
“The National Guard’s unique capabilities and preparedness make it an invaluable partner in this important undertaking,” Seward added.
Meanwhile, DC challenged the takeover of its police department in court on Friday. The lawsuit came just hours after the Trump administration appointed a federal official as the new emergency head of the police department, giving them the powers of a police chief.
The lawsuit, filed by District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb, claims that President Trump exceeded his legal authority. Schwalb asked a judge to confirm that the power remains with the police department and requested an emergency restraining order.
“The administration’s unlawful actions are an affront to the dignity and autonomy of the 700,000 Americans who call D.C. home. This is the gravest threat to Home Rule that the District has ever faced, and we are fighting to stop it,” Schwalb said.
