Stop the Militarization of Washington, DC: Oppose National Guard Deployment

The recent deployment of National Guard troops from West Virginia and South Carolina to Washington, DC, at the request of the federal administration, represents an alarming escalation in the militarization of civilian spaces. Despite claims of a crime emergency, Justice Department data shows that violent crime in DC is at a 30-year low. The use of military personnel to police US civilians undermines democratic norms and threatens the rights and safety of DC residents.

Such deployments override the wishes of local elected officials and set a dangerous precedent for federal intervention in local governance. The National Guard's primary role is to respond to natural disasters and emergencies, not to serve as a tool for political posturing or to intimidate communities. The decision to authorize troops to carry firearms further increases the risk of violence and erodes trust between residents and authorities.

We demand an immediate end to the militarization of Washington, DC, and the withdrawal of all out-of-state National Guard troops. The autonomy of DC and the safety of its people must be respected.