National Guard Deployed to Protect DC Monuments

National guard members are currently on stand-by in Washington, D.C., ready to deploy to protect national monuments from demonstrators who have been calling for the removal of statues representing Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Jackson. U.S. Park Officials have been struggling to keep the areas closed amid protester attempts to tear down these monuments – which they deem representative of racism in our nation’s history. One hundred National Guardsmen are currently in D.C., with another 300 troops at the ready if duty rotation becomes necessary. The troops will be unarmed, and, if necessary, will assist park officials in enforcing closure of the areas in Lafayette Square and other key areas crucial to maintaining infrastructure in D.C. President Trump has stated he will pursue Federal criminal charges, punishable by up to ten years in prison, against anyone caught defacing or attempting to remove national monuments.