Written by Konnor Long (News Writer)
As per the request of DC mayor Muriel Bowser, the National Guard was mobilized toward Washington in an attempt to subdue Pro-Trump demonstrators. Bowser had stated on Wednesday that this was a preventative measure toward protesters who had attempted to suppress Joe Biden’s inauguration. The National Guard was deployed from Tuesday to Thursday as per Bowser’s request.
These requests, which come from DC officials such as Acting Police Chief Robert Contee, have been echoed by politicians nationally following the January 6th riot. Certain precautions were set in place, such as reinforced fencing, and an intensive security team deployed in part by Chief Contee. According to Contee, of his 30 years in his department, he said that he has never witnessed an event in Washington DC that required this much security.
Trump supporters had successfully rallied on Tuesday and Wednesday and acted as an extension of President Trump’s unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud which he states withheld him from being elected for a second term. This comes just months after a pro-Trump rally in December descended into violence, as factions from the protest including the proud boys confronted local Black Lives Matter activists in Black Lives Matter Plaza, a newly erected area in close proximity to the White House.
Bowser initially requested minimal National Guard deployment in an attempt to aid existing forces. According to the response of many officials, the number of protestors far exceeded expectations. In response to the overwhelming attacks, Mayor Bowser issued Washington with a public emergency order that will last 15 days, beginning on Wednesday the 7th. according to Bowser, this order is in response to a fear that Pro-Trump extremists will continue to disrupt city life and damaged the nation’s capital. This order instated a curfew for individuals and reduced the hours of operation for businesses. This will also effectively restrict the hours of operation for media providers, including those with issued credentials.
Trump’s response has garnered criticism from the press and the public alike. Trump spoke out on Tuesday, denying himself any culpability for the violence that was enacted on his behalf during these protests. When asked, against the judgment of the majority Republican and Democratic officials, Trump said “ people thought that what I said was totally appropriate.”
According to an analysis devised by the House of Representatives in accordance with their most recent impeachment of Donald Trump, he is liable for inciting violence. In light of this decision being reached, Muriel Bowser spoke out about her intentions on securing Biden’s inauguration in an interview with PBS. During this interview Monday night she had claimed that “The president of the United States is one of the main and most important actors in inciting violence.” This curfew in Washington DC, which will last for a total of 15 days will remain in place until Joe Biden’s inauguration on January 20th.
The Claw 