The DC National Guard has been approved to assist DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services starting on Election Day through the following week, as confirmed by Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder on Monday.
Ryder stated that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved a request from the District of Columbia for DC National Guard troops to support the DC fire and emergency medical services from November 5 through 13. This approval is part of a routine practice for the Department of Defense to authorize the DC National Guard to provide support or augment security for large-scale events in the district. The activated guardsmen will remain under the command and control of the DC National Guard.
Additionally, Ryder mentioned that approximately 60 Guardsmen from six other states have been activated to support their respective states, although specific states were not disclosed. He also noted that hundreds of other guardsmen are on standby to provide assistance if required.
