Related Article: West Virginia sends hundreds of National Guard members to D.C. at Trump team's request - latimes.com - Saturday, August 16, 2025, 4:56:46 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Target: Governor Patrick Morrisey, President Donald Trump, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Congress
Goal: We call on Governor Patrick Morrisey, President Trump, and federal officials to immediately withdraw National Guard troops from Washington, D.C., respect the autonomy of the District, and end the use of federal forces to police local communities.
On the heels of President Trump's executive order federalizing D.C.'s police and activating hundreds of National Guard troops, West Virginia has sent an additional 300-400 National Guard members to the city. This action, justified by the administration as a response to crime and homelessness, comes despite the fact that violent crime in D.C. is at a historic low.
Local leaders and residents have voiced strong opposition to what they see as an unnecessary and dangerous occupation. The presence of unmarked federal officers and out-of-state troops has created fear and uncertainty, particularly for marginalized communities. The militarization of D.C. sets a troubling precedent for other cities and undermines the democratic rights of residents who already lack full self-governance.
We stand with the people of Washington, D.C., in demanding an immediate end to this federal intervention. The use of military force against civilians is unacceptable in a democracy. We urge all concerned citizens to join us in calling for the withdrawal of National Guard troops and the restoration of local control.