Reeves deploys 200 Mississippi National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. to assist with crime

JACKSON, Miss. (VDN) — About 200 Mississippi National Guard members are being deployed to Washington, D.C., to assist federal authorities in combating crime in the nation’s capital, Gov. Tate Reeves announced Monday.

Reeves said the deployment comes at the request of President Donald Trump, who has called for additional support in restoring public safety in Washington.

“I’ve approved the deployment of approximately 200 Mississippi National Guard soldiers to Washington, D.C., to support President Trump’s effort to return law and order to our nation’s capital,” Reeves said in a statement. “Crime is out of control there, and it’s clear something must be done to combat it. Americans deserve a safe capital city that we can all be proud of. I know the brave men and women of our National Guard will do an excellent job enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement.”

Mississippi is the fourth state to commit troops. West Virginia has pledged between 300 and 400 members, South Carolina has pledged 200, and Ohio plans to send 150.

It is not immediately clear how long the Mississippi Guard members will remain in Washington or what specific roles they will carry out alongside local and federal agencies.