Related Article: Trump deploys hundreds of US National Guard troops in Washington - euronews.com - Friday, August 15, 2025, 4:47:54 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Target: President of the United States, Department of Defense, Mayor of Washington, D.C., and Congressional Leaders
Goal: We call for the immediate withdrawal of National Guard troops from Washington, D.C., an end to the militarization of our communities, and the adoption of humane, evidence-based approaches to public safety and homelessness.
The mobilization of approximately 800 National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. is a deeply troubling escalation. Although officials claim the troops are unarmed, their presence has already resulted in the clearing of homeless encampments and the intimidation of residents, particularly marginalized communities. This action follows a similar deployment during protests in Los Angeles, which was widely condemned.
Despite claims of rising crime, official records show that violent crime in Washington, D.C. has actually decreased between 2023 and 2024. The use of military personnel to 'crack down' on the city does not address the root causes of crime or homelessness. Instead, it sends a chilling message to those exercising their right to dissent and to those already struggling to survive on the streets.
We stand with residents, advocates, and faith leaders who denounce these tactics as unjust and ineffective. True public safety comes from investing in communities, not from intimidation and force.