States increase National Guard assignments to DC, supporting Trump’s anti-crime efforts

As President Donald Trump works to address claims of widespread crime and homelessness in the nation’s capital, Monday marks the start of the second week of an increased National Guard presence in Washington, D.C.

Tate Reeves, the Republican governor of Mississippi, declared Monday that the state will deploy 200 members of its National Guard to assist with the crackdown in D.C.

“It’s obvious that something needs to be done to stop the out-of-control crime there. Americans deserve a safe capital city that we can all be proud of. I have no doubt that our National Guard’s courageous men and women will support law enforcement and improve public safety to a high standard.”

Additionally, Republican Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana declared on Wednesday that he has given his approval for the deployment of roughly 135 National Guard personnel to Washington, D.C.

As of Thursday, the Trump administration has requested that states including South Carolina, West Virginia, and Ohio send additional National Guard members to Washington, D.C.

The Washington, D.C., National Guard is anticipated to deploy about 800 personnel, bringing the total number of National Guard troops in D.C. to over 1,800.

The governors who are sending troops say they reserve the right to call them back if they are needed in their home states due to natural disasters or other emergencies.

While answering questions at the White House, President Trump discussed the deployment.

“There is something going on in D.C. at the moment. We went from being in the most dangerous area on earth to one where friends and Democrats are contacting me and saying, “Sir, I want to thank you.” For the first time in four years, my wife and I went out to supper last night. And you accomplished that in four days, and Washington, D.C. is safe.”

The president’s claim that there is a “rampant” threat in D.C. is not supported by public data on crime rates.

Justice Department statistics show violent crime in the city is actually at a 30-year low. When compared to the same period last year, violent crime has decreased by almost 26% this year, according to data from the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C.

There is also a greater presence of other federal agencies in the city, such as Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which have seized firearms and made several arrests of unauthorized immigrants.