D.C. National Guardsmen provide traffic control and crowd management during D.C. demonstrations

Credit: Tech. Sgt. Arthur Mondale Wright | Date Taken: 01/05/2021
The District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) activated several hundred personnel Jan. 5 to support Washington, D.C. city government during expected demonstrations this week. Capital guardsmen have been requested by Mayor Muriel Bowser and Dr. Christopher Rodriguez, director of the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, on behalf of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and D.C. Fire and Emergency Services. Approximately 340 personnel will support the city government Jan. 5 to 7 by providing crowd control at several Metro stations and assist police with street closures at multiple intersections to provide safety in and around pedestrian areas. Capital guardsmen will also support D.C. Fire and Emergency Management Services with specially trained Civil Support Team personnel. Guardsmen are prepared to respond to augment the main missions, should additional personnel be required.