Gov. DeWine calls up National Guard

In the midst of a number of protests across the country and in multiple Ohio cities, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced he is calling the National Guard to service to support police efforts in Columbus.

During a news conference Saturday afternoon, the governor said, “I am this afternoon calling to service the Ohio National guard to protect the citizens of the state of Ohio.”

The protests in Columbus have included destruction at a number of buildings, including the state capitol building.

“Further at the request of Mayor Ginther,” said the governor, “I am ordering the state highway patrol to also help enforce criminal laws within the city of Columbus for a short period of time.” Andrew Ginther is the mayor of Columbus.

Major General John C. Harris, Jr. also spoke at the news conference. Harris is the Adjutant General, and is responsible for the command of the Ohio Army National Guard, Ohio Air National Guard, Ohio Military Reserve and Ohio Naval Militia.

“On behalf of the 17,000 men and women of the Ohio National Guard, we accept this challenge to supplement the police force of Columbus. It is important to emphasize this is a Columbus response. Mayor Ginther is in charge,” said Harris. “The National Guard is not coming in to take over, and the National Guard is not coming in to impose martial law.”

Major General Harris said it is a specialized force deploying to Columbus.

“The force that is coming to Columbus is a specially trained force called the ‘National Guard Response Force.’ It brings a full set of capabilities to supply what we need to support the Columbus police department. They are specifically trained for this sort of mission and the suite of capabilities they bring is deep,” said Harris. “But the most important thing is that this force understands, these are the people of Ohio, they understand the anger, they understand the rage, and it is our purpose to ensure that we treat every person with dignity and respect. But let there be no doubt that we will accomplish our mission, we will ensure that order is retained, and that the people of Ohio and the property of Columbus is protected. That is our mission and we proudly accept it.”

The National Guard was also recently pressed into service to help in the response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Ohio knows its National Guard," said Harris. "We put over 500 people in the food banks in the midst of this Coronavirus pandemic. We supplemented the staff in prisons. We provided medical support in our prisons and nursing homes. We have conducted testing across the state for coronavirus. Ohio knows its National Guard. And Ohio knows its National Guard is comprised of the men and women of its community. We are your coworkers, your friends.”

The governor made a point in the news conference of saying that not all protesters are violent. “Sadly, sadly, there is a relatively small number of violent individuals who pose a specific threat and a real threat to our law enforcement officers and the safety of the people of Columbus and Franklin County. The vast majority of demonstrators want simply to be heard,” said Governor DeWine.

There have also been protests in Dayton, Cincinnati, and other Ohio cities.

“I am activating our National Guard to help drive out hate and violence and to help instill order. This is about the safety of our community our neighbors our friends. This is about protecting the unnecessary destruction of small businesses our fellow Ohioans have worked so hard to create. It is also about protecting the first amendment and allowing the voices of protest to be heard, as they always should be heard in this state and in this country. These voices should not be covered over. They should be allowed to be heard. We do this today so that love and kindness and compassion and peace can triumph over hate and violence,” said Governor DeWine.

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