DC Curfew In Effect After Chaos Unfolds On Capitol, Request For Additional National Guardsmen Denied By DOD
WASHINGTON (WJZ) -- A citywide curfew went into effect in Washington D.C. at 6 p.m. on Wednesday after supporters of President Donald Trump clashed with police on the steps of the Capitol.
The curfew will be in effect through 6 a.m. Thursday, Mayor Muriel Bowser said.
This comes as Trump supporters clashed with police on the steps of the Capitol, which was under a lockdown much of the afternoon after a violent mob stormed the building.
The Capitol has since been cleared and is no longer under a lockdown.
"During the hours of the curfew, no person, other than persons designated by the Mayor, shall walk, bike, run, loiter, stand or motor by car or other mode of transport upon any street, alley, park, or other public place within the District," Bowser said. "The curfew imposed by the Mayor's Order shall not apply to essential workers, including working media, with the outlet-issued credentials, when engaged in essential functions, including travel to and from their essential work."
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More than 1,100 National Guardsmen were deployed to help local and Capitol police manage the crowds. The FBI was also called to support local police.
Mayor Bowser had requested 200 more National Guardsman to help control the chaos on the Capitol, but that request was denied, per DC city council:
"We are appalled that this fundamental request was denied. We urge the Department of Defense to reconsider their decision and to allow the National Guard to restore safety and sanctity to the Capitol, the cornerstone of our Democracy," the council said in a statement.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam sent some of their National Guard to help assist DC Police, while Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan sent some state police and instructed the Maryland National Guard to send a rapid response force.
Bowser also closed COVID-19 testing sites.
"If you are experiencing symptoms, please stay home, isolate, and call your doctor," Bowser tweeted.
DC officials also asked Baltimore City for assistance, Mayor Brandon Scott tweeted.
Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison issued the following statement:
"The Baltimore Police Department is working with the Maryland State Police on a response as they lead the coordination of law enforcement efforts needed in DC. We are creating operational readiness for if and when we are given a defined mission and operational period, and will be prepared to deploy, as needed."
FBI Baltimore was also deployed to assist police.
Northam also issued a curfew in the cities of Alexandria and Arlington from 6 p.m. through 6 a.m. and a State of Emergency.
At the request of @AlexandriaVAGov and @ArlingtonVA, I am declaring a 6PM to 6AM curfew in these jurisdictions, with limited exceptions," the governor tweeted. "I am also issuing a State of Emergency in Virginia, so we can continue to respond."
