National Guard Presence Raises Concerns as DC Schools Reopen
By Mark Sherman, Associated Press
Washington D.C. – Public schools reopened Monday in the capital amidst heightened tensions as thousands of National Guard troops, some armed, patrolled the city. Parents expressed anxiety over the military presence, citing fears that may lead some to keep their children at home due to immigration concerns.
Mayor Muriel Bowser addressed these worries, stressed that schools are among the safest places for children, and asked for the community to allow students to focus on their education. “If they’re not at school, they can’t take advantage of that learning,” she stated, calling for a peaceful environment for children to thrive.
The National Guard began carrying firearms following a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, with some units observing protocols that permit force only in response to imminent threats. Bowser reiterated her opposition to military involvement in policing, commenting, “I don’t believe that troops should be policing American cities.”
Amidst ongoing debate, President Trump is considering extending guard deployments to other Democratic-led cities, including Baltimore and New York, following similar missions in Los Angeles during protests over immigration policies. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between federal actions and local governance.
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