USA, National Guard troops in Washington will be supported by police

Washington (USA), Nov. 29 (LaPresse) – National Guard troops patrolling in Washington will be accompanied, at least temporarily, by local law enforcement. It is a consequence of Wednesday’s attack in which a female soldier was killed and another service member was seriously injured, according to an email obtained by the Washington Post and two Washington police officials who spoke to the newspaper on condition of anonymity. “Officers will conduct high-visibility patrols with the National Guard and provide assistance as needed,” reads the email, sent to Washington police leadership on Wednesday evening. The email stated that the situation was “fluid” and that changes to the personnel management plan could be made in the coming days. According to the Washington Post, if implemented long-term, the change would significantly alter the way National Guard troops have cooperated with local and federal law enforcement since their arrival in Washington in August. The Trump Administration has credited the military with helping reduce crime in the city, in part because the presence of the troops in subway stations and on National Park Service grounds has allowed law enforcement to monitor other areas of the city. Redirecting local police to accompany Guard members would have had a substantially opposite effect, pulling them away from other duties in Washington neighborhoods.