SEATTLE — Gov. Jay Inslee ordered a statewide activation of the Washington National Guard Sunday night in response to the protests and looting throughout the state.
This will allow unarmed troops to be deployed in response to requests from local governments. The governor already authorized at least 600 troops earlier this weekend to help in Seattle and Bellevue.
“We must not let these illegal and dangerous actions detract from the anger so many feel at the deep injustice laid so ugly and bare by the death of George Floyd,” Inslee said. “But we also will not turn away from our responsibility to protect the residents of our state.”
Inslee dispatched an additional 200 National Guard troops to Seattle to help maintain order after protests over the killing of George Floyd turned violent, with looters smashing up storefronts and stealing clothes and other items from downtown shops.
The mayors of Seattle and Portland, Oregon, imposed Sunday evening curfews.
Portland, too, saw widespread mayhem. Inslee’s order means that up to to 400 National Guard personnel will be available to assist the Northwest’s largest city clean up and deal with potential further unrest.
Police in Seattle arrested at least 27 people Saturday on charges like assault and looting while Portland police arrested 48 people after downtown storefronts were vandalized.
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