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National Guard presence in DC expected to extend through December
National Guard troops remain stationed across Washington, D.C., with growing questions about how long they’ll stay and what role they’ll play in the months ahead. FOX 5’s Melanie Alnwick has the latest.
WASHINGTON - National Guard troops remain stationed across Washington, D.C., with growing questions about how long they’ll stay and what role they’ll play in the months ahead.
How long could they stay?
What we know:
Officials say the deployment that was initially expected to last 30 days may now continue through the end of the year.
Troops from South Dakota have joined the National Guard members deployed to the District, bringing the total to seven states contributing personnel to the joint task force.
The task force was activated under President Trump’s August 11 order. Guard members have been assigned a mix of duties, from armed patrols at Metro stations and neighborhood watch support to beautification efforts like picking up trash and pulling weeds. Officials say the deployment is part of a broader strategy to restore safety and improve public spaces across the city.
READ MORE: National Guard deployment in DC could extend through December, reports say
Mayor Muriel Bowser says her administration is working to end the takeover. "I want the message to be clear to the Congress, we have a framework to request or use federal resources in our city," Bowser said Wednesday. "We don’t need a presidential emergency."
Separately, a second executive order issued by Trump on August 25 directs the Department of Defense to establish a specialized unit within the D.C. National Guard focused on public safety and civil order. The order also calls for National Guard units in each state to be trained and ready to assist in quelling civil disturbances whenever circumstances call for it.
Amtrak statement
FOX’5 Melanie Alnwick said sources with Amtrak police told here that there have been ongoing coordinated after-school fights at Union Station, organized by teens on social media. Videos posted online show police and National Guard managing crowds but not making arrests.
On Wednesday, Amtrak officers questioned visitors about their purpose at the station, which some mistook for ID checks. Amtrak clarified it was a one-time ticket check to ease tensions.
READ MORE: Over 200 arrests made over Labor Day weekend in DC as part of Trump takeover: Bondi
Amtrak released the following statement:
"In response to disruptive behavior involving groups of teenagers at Union Station Tuesday, Amtrak Police implemented targeted ticket checks at select station entrances Wednesday afternoon. These proactive measures were in place for approximately one hour and contributed to a calm and orderly environment throughout the day. No incidents or arrests were reported."
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Associated Press and previous FOX 5 reporting.