Governor Carney today said he would not be deploying the state’s National Guard to Washington to help quell rioting that has occurred in the nation’s capital.
President Trump last night said last night he intended to crack down on “the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults, and the wanton destruction of property” by implementing a 7 pm curfew in the nation’s capital and calling in the National Guard.
Trump asked the Governors of five states, including Delaware’s John Carney, to assist the effort by sending Guard assistance to Washington.
This afternoon Gov. Carney declined Trump’s request.
In a statement issued by Carney’s office, Governor Carney said as commander-in-chief of the Delaware National Guard he always considers requests for Guard assistance from other jurisdictions.
In the last several years, Delaware National Guardsmen and women have assisted the people of Texas, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico in coping with natural disasters. Members of the Delaware Guard also continue to serve overseas to keep us safe.
A spokesperson with the Governor’s office said, “Yesterday, we received a request for Guard assistance in Washington, from the federal government. The mission of our Guardsmen and women in Washington was not at all clear. Sending members out of state also limits the Guard’s ability to manage situations in Delaware – including their current role in our COVID-19 response.”
The spokesperson said Carney’s staff has spoken with Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office, and they have not requested additional assistance.
