In Washington, D.C., the National Guard has been stationed on the streets.
Let me now explain why before showing you a live video that is actually rather unsettling.
The unsettling photographs appear to show an occupying military force:
National Guard on the streets of D.C. today to help with African Summit security. pic.twitter.com/1t7m3pMZ3R
— Andrew Leyden (@PenguinSix) December 14, 2022
#CapitalGuardian Chaplain visits Soldiers at their designated traffic control points and the D.C. National Guard Armory, ensuring their spiritual well-being during their support to the District for the Africa Leaders Summit.#Chaplaincy #DCNGsupport #AfricaLeadersSummit pic.twitter.com/qIXpd0OyBx
— District of Columbia National Guard (@DCGuard1802) December 15, 2022
D.C. National Guard prepares to support the #AfricaLeadersSummit this week, to include being sworn in by a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer. They will provide support to MPD and DC Fire and EMS during the summit.#CapitalGuardians #Partnership #DCNGSupport pic.twitter.com/yy4aEQiR4l
— District of Columbia National Guard (@DCGuard1802) December 14, 2022
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has asked for assistance from the National Guard to control traffic for the upcoming U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in the District.https://t.co/CMm9vXoPsG
— 7News DC (@7NewsDC) December 9, 2022
Local ABC7 explains what’s going on:
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has asked for assistance from the National Guard to control traffic for the upcoming U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in the District.
The event which began Wednesday and will run through Dec. 17, is expected to make a significant impact on vehicular traffic, pedestrians, parking and public transportation in the area of the Washington Convention Center. Click below to see a full list of street closures and parking restrictions for the summit.
Traffic Alert: US-Africa Leaders Summit closes DC streets, Metro station
Some D.C. residents have voiced that they are excited for the summit even though the traffic from the event will make life harder.
“We’ll deal with it. I think these events are important. [It’s] part of the joy of living in the city” said one resident.
Bowser emphasized her excitement for the event as well.
“We’re excited for this convening of African leaders. They’re using a lot of the city and gonna be using our hotels and convention centers and restaurants.”
The State Department says the summit “will demonstrate the United States’ enduring commitment to Africa, and will underscore the importance of U.S.-Africa relations and increased cooperation on shared global priorities.”MetroBus, Metrorail and MetroAccess will be limited in areas surrounding the Washington Conviction Center.
A spokesperson for the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency said the request comes due to the nature and classification of the summit.
“The District of Columbia has requested the assistance of the DC National Guard to provide operational support for our first responders during the US-Africa Leaders Summit. The event has been designated a National Special Security Event by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,” the spokesperson said.
Interesting.
So they can request the Guard for some African delegates, but not for Trump when he asks on January 6th?