Washington state activates National Guard in case of election violence

Breaking News

The governor of Washington State on Friday said he was activating some members of the National Guard to be on stand-by after information and concerns regarding potential violence related to the 2024 election.

The state, where Democrat Kamala Harris is easily expected to defeat Republican Donald Trump according to polling, was one of two where ballot boxes were set on fire earlier in the week.

Early voting is available to those in Washington, and more than 2 million have already cast their ballots, according to the Election Lab at the University of Florida.

"Based upon general and specific information and concerns regarding the potential for violence or other unlawful activity related to the 2024 general election, I want to ensure we are fully prepared to respond," Governor Jay Inslee wrote in a letter published on his website on Friday......

Washington state activates National Guard in case of election violence

The governor of Washington State on Friday said he was activating some members of the National Guard to be on

m.jpost.com

 

[Baby Yoda]

 

[Shinobi]

Breaking News

The governor of Washington State on Friday said he was activating some members of the National Guard to be on stand-by after information and concerns regarding potential violence related to the 2024 election.

The state, where Democrat Kamala Harris is easily expected to defeat Republican Donald Trump according to polling, was one of two where ballot boxes were set on fire earlier in the week.

Early voting is available to those in Washington, and more than 2 million have already cast their ballots, according to the Election Lab at the University of Florida.

"Based upon general and specific information and concerns regarding the potential for violence or other unlawful activity related to the 2024 general election, I want to ensure we are fully prepared to respond," Governor Jay Inslee wrote in a letter published on his website on Friday......

Washington state activates National Guard in case of election violence

The governor of Washington State on Friday said he was activating some members of the National Guard to be on

m.jpost.com

Thanks for the heads up on this. I have a close friend former co-worker who is in the Washington National Guard. I just called and it went to voice mail. I am hoping to hear from him later today when he checks his messages.

 

[1LoverofGod]

Thanks for the heads up on this. I have a close friend former co-worker who is in the Washington National Guard. I just called and it went to voice mail. I am hoping to hear from him later today when he checks his messages.

I don't live in Washington State but this is concerning because of the recent authorization given to the US military to use lethal force in the case of civil unrest, and the Nat'l Guard is part of the military.
I remember the tragedy of Kent State University and I wouldn't want that to happen again.

 

[Shinobi]

I don't live in Washington State but this is concerning because of the recent authorization given to the US military to use lethal force in the case of civil unrest, and the Nat'l Guard is part of the military.
I remember the tragedy of Kent State University and I wouldn't want that to happen again.

Hence my attempt to reach my friend. I did time in the Reserves around 9/11. I was called up specifically by my CSM because I had a distance to travel to our center. He knew that I like himself carried when on the road and that is why he called me in to provide security for our pier facility for the weeks following 9/11. When I arrived my first question was when do we draw weapons and ammo. I was then informed we were not. I was livid and my CSM pulled me aside to calm me down. He then informed me I was called up specifically for a reason. Even though our higher command did not seem to understand those we would be defending against would be armed we were not issued weapons or ammo. Because I carried I was one of those called up. Several of us were called up for that very reason.

Now the last time my friend was called up and shipped to D.C. around the Jan. 6 time frame, they went as expected unarmed, in short they were for visual use mainly and cannon fodder. Police in D.C. were the primary deterrent. So is the same in Washington state this time or until I find out otherwise. If I do I will notify.

 

[3Nails4Given]

Sounds like to me they’ve received intelligence stating there’s gonna be riots if Trump wins. These unhinged liberals are so predictable. They should be treated with the same compassion shown to the folks who protested at the capital.

 

[1LoverofGod]

Sounds like to me they’ve received intelligence stating there’s gonna be riots if Trump wins. These unhinged liberals are so predictable. They should be treated with the same compassion shown to the folks who protested at the capital.

This is why it's concerning about that executive order to authorize lethal force against US civilians if there's civil unrest. The timing to authorize it is like they are planning something if Trump wins the election. I'm praying it doesn't come to the military getting involved

 

[1LoverofGod]

**Nevada is doing the same as Washington State....

Nevada National Guard troops to support Las Vegas Metro Police on Election Day

Nevada National Guard troops to support Las Vegas Metro Police on Election Day

Governor Joe Lombardo has activated sixty members of the National Guard. They will be on standby in Carson City and Las Vegas.

www.fox5vegas.com

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Minnesota is so deep dark blue that it would take an Act of God to even make it purple.

No National Guard activated here (yet), at least for the election.

Police, Sheriffs, and Highway Patrol are supposedly going to be providing extra security around polling places so everyone has access and can vote. Some places, parking can be a problem if there's a large turn-out, so even needed for not-nefarious reasons

Hope we have a safe and peaceful election, regardless of who wins, for every office, in every jurisdiction

 

[Tall Timbers]

Sounds like to me they’ve received intelligence stating there’s gonna be riots if Trump wins. These unhinged liberals are so predictable. They should be treated with the same compassion shown to the folks who protested at the capital.

More like the militant arm of the demonrat party will be mobilized but it's unlikely that liberal state governments are activating National Guards on account of antifa/BLM...

 

[Shinobi]

Finally got in touch with my old co-worker who is also in the Washington National Guard. Reason it took so long was because he had a 3 day drill weekend and they were out in the sticks some where and not cell connection where they were. Anyway at the end of Sunday before being released they were notified of the possibility of a short term notification of activation and to go home and pack a go bag just in case. The up side was they were not held over but released from weekend duty back to normal life.

Since then I have checked with local and state law enforcement to see if they have seen any Guard types out in the bigger cities. The reply is no. So it appears that the notification coming down from the governor was a notice that a rapid call up could be coming but not to bring anyone in just yet. On the other hand it could have been a ruse to stir up fear in people so they did not risk starting something where they could be facing not just local and state police but also the National Guard.

I also checked to see if part of their warning was to go to the armory and draw weapons. He said no but they are likely being sent out with riot gear which consist of strong plexiglass shields and batons. So not looking like they are going in armed if they even go just gonna be there to try and trick people into behaving.

 

[3Nails4Given]

Finally got in touch with my old co-worker who is also in the Washington National Guard. Reason it took so long was because he had a 3 day drill weekend and they were out in the sticks some where and not cell connection where they were. Anyway at the end of Sunday before being released they were notified of the possibility of a short term notification of activation and to go home and pack a go bag just in case. The up side was they were not held over but released from weekend duty back to normal life.

Since then I have checked with local and state law enforcement to see if they have seen any Guard types out in the bigger cities. The reply is no. So it appears that the notification coming down from the governor was a notice that a rapid call up could be coming but not to bring anyone in just yet. On the other hand it could have been a ruse to stir up fear in people so they did not risk starting something where they could be facing not just local and state police but also the National Guard.

I also checked to see if part of their warning was to go to the armory and draw weapons. He said no but they are likely being sent out with riot gear which consist of strong plexiglass shields and batons. So not looking like they are going in armed if they even go just gonna be there to try and trick people into behaving.

I spent years on those teams I can tell you from experience, that gear is hot, especially if the humidity is high and it’s warm. Those gas masks are stifling and that CS gas burns your skin when you’re sweating. There is nothing enjoyable wearing full gear. Those batons hurt like hades too when you get whacked by a glancing blow.

I’ve been hit by all the less than lethal munitions, we had to take it to get qualified to use it. I guess my agencies philosophy was if you know what it feels like your less likely to use it, unless commanded to.

Out of all of it to me the CS gas was hands down the worse. Pepperball, rubber sting ball grenades. The flash bangs were hard too because even when you knew they were coming they would still jolt you. I’ve seen them blow holes in walls. They’re like grenades without the munitions. If you don’t know it’s coming and you don’t have hearing protection on your getting rocked.

When I was young it was fun. Now I have significant hearing loss, perpetual tinnitus, and probably has something to do with my vision issues.

I never really thought about consequences of all that back then and I’m positive Uncle Sam would deny any connections to service. Because they gave me a hearing test before I left and told me I had significant hearing loss, I sarcastically said, what did you say?

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Finally got in touch with my old co-worker who is also in the Washington National Guard. Reason it took so long was because he had a 3 day drill weekend and they were out in the sticks some where and not cell connection where they were. Anyway at the end of Sunday before being released they were notified of the possibility of a short term notification of activation and to go home and pack a go bag just in case. The up side was they were not held over but released from weekend duty back to normal life.

Since then I have checked with local and state law enforcement to see if they have seen any Guard types out in the bigger cities. The reply is no. So it appears that the notification coming down from the governor was a notice that a rapid call up could be coming but not to bring anyone in just yet. On the other hand it could have been a ruse to stir up fear in people so they did not risk starting something where they could be facing not just local and state police but also the National Guard.

I also checked to see if part of their warning was to go to the armory and draw weapons. He said no but they are likely being sent out with riot gear which consist of strong plexiglass shields and batons. So not looking like they are going in armed if they even go just gonna be there to try and trick people into behaving.

A line(s)/formation of properly trained and commanded law enforcement and/or NG with batons, shields, and personal riot/safety gear (helmet, face and eye protection, gloves, boots, shin guards, knee pads, gas mask, etc.) can be an intimidating and formidable force in a riot situation. So long as they don't break formation or discipline, and so long as no one panics when stuff happens/goes sideways (something always does). If the riot control formation isn't armed with firearms, they need to have back-up that is. Use of non-lethal rounds, such as tear gas, pepper, bean bags, taser, rubber bullets, etc. is far preferable to lethal ammunition when/as long as reasonable, but even then back-up with lethal force is still absolutely required. Water cannons and fire trucks (pumper units) defended by LE/NG are awesome. Also K9 and equine-mounted officers.

OTOH, some School Resource Officers broke up a middle school riot of unarmed kids using Super Soakers filled with vinegar
Wish that would work everywhere

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

I spent years on those teams I can tell you from experience, that gear is hot, especially if the humidity is high and it’s warm. Those gas masks are stifling and that CS gas burns your skin when you’re sweating. There is nothing enjoyable wearing full gear. Those batons hurt like hades too when you get whacked by a glancing blow.

I’ve been hit by all the less than lethal munitions, we had to take it to get qualified to use it. I guess my agencies philosophy was if you know what it feels like your less likely to use it, unless commanded to.

Out of all of it to me the CS gas was hands down the worse. Pepperball, rubber sting ball grenades. The flash bangs were hard too because even when you knew they were coming they would still jolt you. I’ve seen them blow holes in walls. They’re like grenades without the munitions. If you don’t know it’s coming and you don’t have hearing protection on your getting rocked.

When I was young it was fun. Now I have significant hearing loss, perpetual tinnitus, and probably has something to do with my vision issues.

I never really thought about consequences of all that back then and I’m positive Uncle Sam would deny any connections to service. Because they gave me a hearing test before I left and told me I had significant hearing loss, I sarcastically said, what did you say?

If it was military, see a VSO. He or she can probably help. If LE, if you were union, contact them.

I hated that the LE RC, etc. gear I was issued never fit (it was always too big). Except my mask, because I had purchased one.
The best part was getting hosed off by the FD, even when it was cold.

 

[3Nails4Given]

A line(s)/formation of properly trained and commanded law enforcement and/or NG with batons, shields, and personal riot/safety gear (helmet, face and eye protection, gloves, boots, shin guards, knee pads, gas mask, etc.) can be an intimidating and formidable force in a riot situation. So long as they don't break formation or discipline, and so long as no one panics when stuff happens/goes sideways (something always does). If the riot control formation isn't armed with firearms, they need to have back-up that is. Use of non-lethal rounds, such as tear gas, pepper, bean bags, taser, rubber bullets, etc. is far preferable to lethal ammunition when/as long as reasonable, but even then back-up with lethal force is still absolutely required. Water cannons and fire trucks (pumper units) defended by LE/NG are awesome. Also K9 and equine-mounted officers.

OTOH, some School Resource Officers broke up a middle school riot of unarmed kids using Super Soakers filled with vinegar
Wish that would work everywhere

When the CS got deployed you could always tell who’s mask didn’t seal, because they were breaking formation, which is why everyone knew their number changed based on which side of the point man they broke from, next man up and the squad behind would send a man up so our formations stayed intact.

We always had a shotgun squad on standby and SWAT if needed. In 24 years we only deployed maybe 4 times. Just us being there dressed out usually was enough of a deterrent.

My first training was with USCG, then FDLE with State of Florida. Had 4 years with them before going to the DOJ, spent 24 years with them.

I’ve been retired ten years, shoot I’m gettin old.

 

[Shinobi]

OTOH, some School Resource Officers broke up a middle school riot of unarmed kids using Super Soakers filled with vinegar
Wish that would work everywhere

Now that is funny because it actually worked. As for the rest of what you put that sounds like LEO training, not military training especially for unit that is an engineer unit. But for now it may all be moot if nothing forces the call up activation.

 

[3Nails4Given]

Now that is funny because it actually worked. As for the rest of what you put that sounds like LEO training, not military training especially for unit that is an engineer unit. But for now it may all be moot if nothing forces the call up activation.

There’s been a few funny, but not funny stories over the years. One night my partner was working an unarmed security detail, and this dude was caught coming under a fence. A foot chase ensued and my out of shape partner was gassed, this guy was gonna escape, so he yells, Stop or I’ll shoot! The guy stopped and got on the ground.

My partner who was gassed, was huffing and puffing trying to catch his breath, as he’s handcuffing the guy. He stands him up and he turns around and my friend he’s still huffing for air and the guy realizes he’s unarmed. He said a few choice words and laughed. My buddy says I knew you was a jailbird when you stopped running, he said I’d would have never caught you if you hadn’t stopped. Everyone laughed all the way back.

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Now that is funny because it actually worked. As for the rest of what you put that sounds like LEO training, not military training especially for unit that is an engineer unit. But for now it may all be moot if nothing forces the call up activation.

Yup, LEO for "regular" riots.

Military, situations and rules of engagement were different, as well as tactics and deployment of forces, and available "stuff"
Food and water riots in places people were actually in desperate need, and food/water distribution points in some places, use of lethal force usually needed at some point

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Now that is funny because it actually worked.

Middle school is 10-12 year old kids, so a faceful of vinegar, or even just hair and clothes wet with vinegar, was probably pretty upsetting/attention-getting, at least to enough of them to get things calmed down