Ahead of pro-Trump demonstrations planned this week, the National Guard has been mobilized to Washington as Congress convenes to certify the election results.
The police chief said the Guard will be used to help control crowds and manage traffic.
Mayor Muriel Bowser requested the Guard be activated and urged residents and others to stay safe and be cautious.
“We’re asking D.C. residents and people who live in the region to avoid confrontations with anybody who’s looking for a fight,” Bowser said. “And the best way to do that is to avoid the area.”
Wednesday Congress is scheduled to meet to formally count the Electoral College votes. Donald Trump has baselessly alleged fraud.
Tuesday evening organizers plan to rally at Freedom Plaza and all-day Wednesday on the Ellipse, including a 1 p.m. Wednesday march to the Capitol, The Associated Press reported.
On Sunday Trump tweeted “I will be there. Historic day!” while retweeting a message about Wednesday’s planned protest event.
Tuesday and Wednesday, more than 300 District of Columbia National Guard personnel will support the city government, providing crowd control at Metro stations and helping with street closures, the guard said in a statement.
