Texas, Other States Prepare National Guard for Possible Election Day Disturbances

In anticipation of potential civil unrest related to the presidential election, governors in several states, including Texas, have mobilized National Guard troops. Texas and Massachusetts have each activated up to 1,000 National Guard members in response to concerns regarding increased tensions and potential violence. Additionally, states such as Arizona and Alabama have 300 soldiers on standby, prepared to respond if necessary. Guard members are also on alert for any emergency situations in other states, such as Illinois and Florida.

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The primary objective of activated units is to provide assistance to security initiatives within their respective states. Nevertheless, the National Guard Regional Response Unit's mission includes the readiness of forces in Arizona and Alabama to provide assistance to other states if necessary. This precautionary approach indicates concerns that the highly polarized election could result in violence if the results are contested.

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In Washington, D.C., officials have not yet explicitly requested National Guard support. However, extensive preparation for contingencies is underway both before and after the election, including the period leading up to the inauguration in January. In response to the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, which disrupted the certification of President Joe Biden's election victory, an unprecedented deployment of 25,000 Guard members was observed during the inauguration.

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The size of any 2024 deployment will be contingent upon intelligence assessments of potential threats and requests from Washington, D.C., according to Col. Jean Paul Laurenceau, a National Guard Bureau official. In the interim, logistics are being coordinated between local law enforcement and National Guard personnel to guarantee that they can respond promptly in the event of an emergency.

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