An Ohio National Guardsman was removed from the mission in Washington, D.C. after the FBI found that he "expressed white supremacist ideology" online, the governor said.
"While I fully support everyone's right to free speech, Guardsmen and women are sworn to protect all of us, regardless of race, ethnic background or religion," Gov. Mike DeWine said on social media Friday. "Our Ohio National Guard members are in a position of trust and authority during times of crisis and anyone who displays malice toward specific groups of Americans has no place in the Ohio National Guard."
The incident is now under investigation and the Guardsman, who was not identified, is "suspended from all missions at this time," the governor said.
"Following due process, it is highly likely that this individual will be permanently removed from the Ohio National Guard," DeWine said. "I have directed Gen. Harris to work with Public Safety Director Tom Stickrath to set up a procedure so occurrences like this do not happen in the future."
The Guard and Ohio Department of Public Safety are "fully cooperating with the FBI in its investigation," DeWine said.
As of Friday, there were about 5,100 National Guard troops activated in Washington, D.C. -- 1,200 from the D.C. National Guard and 3,900 from 11 other states.
The entire D.C. National Guard force was activated over the weekend in response to escalating protests following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody after an officer kneeled on his neck. In the week since, the DCNG has been joined by troops from Utah, South Carolina, Tennessee, Indiana and more.
Other states -- including Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania -- declined requests from the nation’s capital for assistance.
No incidences of violence between protestors and Guard troops have resulted in any reported injuries thus far. However, Thursday night as strong thunderstorms moved through, two Guard troops reportedly with the South Carolina National Guard were struck by lightning, according to D.C. Fire and EMS officials.
Across the country, 41,500 Guard troops have been activated in 33 states in response to “civil unrest.” On top of the 38,000 still activated in the fight against COVID-19 this 84,000-strong activation far exceeds the previous largest domestic activation from Hurricane Katrina response in 2005.
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More states send Guard troops to D.C. despite mayor’s withdrawal request
Reach Abbie Bennett: abbie@connectingvets.com or @AbbieRBennett.
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