National Guard Sends Unarmed Members to Protect DC National Monuments

The National Guard will send unarmed personnel to assist the U.S. Park Police’s efforts to protect national monuments in Washington, D.C., following a series of incidents where protesters have torn down statues.

The Pentagon announced on Wednesday that between 100 and 400 National Guard members will provide security and crowd management to keep monuments from being defaced or destroyed. President Donald Trump had ordered the National Guard troops out of Washington earlier this month.

"The District of Columbia National Guard is responding to a request to support law enforcement officials and has dispatched unarmed personnel, with others on stand-by," National Guard spokesman Major Robert Perino told CNN in a statement. "Activated Guardsmen are expected to provide security for local monuments and critical infrastructure."

Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy authorized the move in a memo on Tuesday, following a request from the National Park Police.

“They remain on standby at the D.C. Armory at this time,” until July 4th, Army spokesman Lt. Col. Chris Mitchell said in a statement, according to The Hill. “They will support U.S. Park Police at key monuments to prevent any defacing or destruction. The National Guard personnel will not be armed, and will serve as a uniformed deterrence and crowd management capacity to maintain closures and restricted areas.”

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