U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Jovi Prevot
Members of the Mississippi National Guard have been mobilized to Washington D.C.
According to a news release, approximately 400 Mississippi National Guard service members arrived in the nation’s capital to assist local enforcement. The MSNG’s mission as ‘Task Force Magnolia’ is providing military and strategic support to law enforcement to “provide a safe and secure environment in the District of Columbia.”
The MSNG’s first priorities are to safeguard lives and protect property while we assist civil authorities in restoring good order and peace within the area of operation. State and local law enforcement agencies remain responsible for security. The MSNG personnel assigned to these missions are trained, equipped and prepared to assist law enforcement authorities with protecting lives and property of the citizens in their state. This situation is fluid, but the National Guard’s reaction and support remains constant,” the Guard said in a statement.
During his daily press briefing, Governor Tate Reeves stated that Mississippi is one of 8 or 9 states that sent members of its National Guard to Washington.
Senator Roger Wicker released the following statement following the activation of the National Guard.
“I am proud of our Mississippi National Guardsmen for their work to support safety in our nation’s capital and to protect the many individuals who have been exercising their constitutional right to protest peacefully. Our state’s guardsmen will be partners to local law enforcement as they work to prevent further injury, damage, or destruction in the days ahead.
“Unfortunately, this activation became necessary after peaceful protests on behalf of George Floyd were hijacked by extreme elements that have nothing to do with Floyd’s cause. These individuals are exploiting the hurt and pain felt by so many Americans to carry out senseless acts of vandalism and violence,” Senator Wicker said.
In Mississippi, peaceful protests have taken place in several cities across the state.
