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The National Guard was mobilized for Washington, DC, ahead of pro-Trump protests planned this week as Congress meets to certify the election results.
The guard will be used to help control crowds and manage traffic, the police chief said. Mayor Muriel Bowser has called for the guard to be activated and urged residents and others to stay safe and exercise caution.
“We ask DC residents and people who live in the area to avoid confrontation with anyone looking to fight,” Bowser said. “And the best way to do that is to avoid the area.”
Congress is due to meet on Wednesday to officially count the votes of the Electoral College. President Donald Trump lost the election but baselessly alleged fraud. Georgia will hold second-round elections on Tuesday that will determine which party controls the Senate.
Organizers plan to gather Tuesday night at Freedom Plaza and all day Wednesday on the Ellipse, including a 1 p.m. Wednesday march to the Capitol, the Associated Press reported.
Trump encouraged the rally and tweeted Sunday “I’ll be there. Historic day!” while retweeting a message about the event scheduled for Wednesday.
More than 300 District of Columbia National Guard personnel will support the city government on Tuesday and Wednesday, ensuring crowd control at subway stations and helping with street closures, the guard said in a statement.
Major General William J. Walker, commanding general of the DC National Guard, said they would play a supporting role.
Acting Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert Contee warned protesters and others that guns were not allowed.
“We have received reports that individuals intend to bring guns into our town, and this just will not be tolerated,” Contee said.
In December, several people were stabbed in clashes around a pro-Trump rally.
Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio was arrested Monday after entering Washington after being accused of burning a Black Lives Matter sign that was ripped off at a historic black church during the December 12 rally. He also reportedly had two high-capacity magazines, police said.
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