(ETH) – The mayor of DC has reportedly deployed the National Guard ahead of a massive protest that is expected triggering fears of violence breaking out over Biden’s presidency transition.
According to reports, Proud Boys and armed militia look set to take to the streets on January 6th as Trump continues to challenge the election result. In preparation, store owners have reportedly boarded up their businesses and the FBI has been placed on high alert for any “dangerous” violence on the streets of the capital.
According to The Sun, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has requested to have troops placed on the ground from Tuesday through Thursday of this week as Congress meets to certify the election results on Wednesday. The report states that over 340 National Guard troops will be deployed to control traffic and provide other assistance in the event that demonstrators protesting the election results will turn violent.
During a press conference, the mayor urged residents to stay away from the downtown area and to avoid confrontations with anyone who is “looking for a fight.” “We will not allow people to incite violence, intimidate our residents or cause destruction in our city,” she said.
“Some of our intelligence certainly suggests there will be increased crowd sizes,” said D.C. Acting Police Chief Robert Contee. According to the AP, “D.C. police have posted signs throughout downtown warning that carrying any sort of firearm is illegal and Contee asked area residents to warn authorities of anyone who might be armed.”
