Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, has activated some members of the state’s National Guard and put them on stand-by ahead of Election Day.
“Today, Gov. Jay Inslee activated some Washington National Guard members to be on stand-by in the event they are asked to support local law enforcement and the Washington State Patrol during election week. The governor has given The Adjutant General the authority to determine how many members of the Guard will be activated,” a release from Inslee’s office stated.
“This is a purely precautionary measure taken in response to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s nationwide warnings regarding threats to election infrastructure and other recent activities that have occurred in southwestern Washington,” it continued.
“The Guard will be on stand-by for four days, beginning Monday, November 4, and ending just after midnight on Thursday, November 7, 2024,” it concluded.
🚨#BREAKING: Washington State Governor Jay Inslee has activated the National Guard in case of election related violence and riots pic.twitter.com/iTSiqgMJxM
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) November 2, 2024
From The Washington Post:
Inslee’s office described the move as precautionary. But it noted that the Homeland Security Department has warned that the threat to election infrastructure during the 2024 election cycle is high, and mentioned this week’s burning of two ballot drop boxes — one in Vancouver, Washington, and a second in neighboring Portland, Oregon — as a reason for his caution.
In Portland, police are increasing staffing on Election Day in the following days “as a precaution.”
Washington state’s decision follows precautionary steps taken by state and local officials across the United States and reflects broader concerns across the country that violence may erupt around the election.
Breaking — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has ordered the activation of the state's National Guard to support law enforcement in the case of civil unrest over the electionhttps://t.co/OmqXXaGFRC pic.twitter.com/5R5NQZpnNC
— Katie Daviscourt 📸 (@KatieDaviscourt) November 2, 2024
A closer look:
Washington National Guard members will be on standby to respond to potential civil unrest between Nov. 4 and Nov. 8. https://t.co/Z6dI1RfEC3
— The Seattle Times (@seattletimes) November 2, 2024
Washington State Standard noted:
Welsh, who oversees the 8,000 soldiers and airmen of the Washington National Guard, will decide how many people will be activated and serve on standby from Monday until just after midnight on Thursday, Nov. 7, according to the governor’s office.
In September, the Department of Defense issued a directive that authorizes the use of “lethal force” in certain circumstances when assisting civilian law enforcement.
From our prior report:
On an episode of the Ron Paul Liberty Report, Ron Paul and co-host Daniel McAdams warned about an ominous directive issued by the Department of Defense.
“Police State Update — Will We See U.S. troops, On U.S. Soil, Using Lethal Force Against Americans?” Ron Paul wrote.
Paul warned the directive is “very, very dangerous.”
McAdams displayed an article picked up by Zero Hedge and thought the headline was an exaggeration.
“It’s not a law. It’s a DoD Directive,” McAdams said.
“The administrative state where they take over. They don’t pass laws. They are laws unto themselves,” he continued.
“It talks about a reissued DoD Directive that was reissued just on September 27th, 2024. It governs the Department of Defense Intelligence Activities and now includes provisions authorizing lethal force in certain circumstances and it supplants the 2016 version which did not mention that,” McAdams continued.
After reading an analysis of the directive, McAdams reviewed the DoD document itself.
McAdams went to the relevant section of DoD Directive 5240.01.
Section 3 of that document spelled out the authorization to utilize lethal force in certain circumstances.
Under Section 3.3 (Levels of Authority), the document states: “Subject to Paragraph 3.1., Defense Intelligence Components may provide personnel to assist a Federal department or agency, including a Federal law enforcement agency, or a State or local law enforcement agency when lives are in danger, in response to a request for such assistance, in accordance with the following approval authorities.”
Section 3.3.a.(2)(c) states the following: “Assistance in responding with assets with potential for lethality, or any situation in which it is reasonably foreseeable that providing the requested assistance may involve the use of force that is likely to result in lethal force, including death or serious bodily injury. It also includes all support to civilian law enforcement officials in situations where a confrontation between civilian law enforcement and civilian individuals or groups is reasonably anticipated. Such use of force must be in accordance with DoDD 5210.56, potentially as further restricted based on the specifics of the requested support.”
WATCH:
Police State Update -- Will We See U.S. troops, On U.S. Soil, Using Lethal Force Against Americans? pic.twitter.com/jbIUrTGTqx
— Ron Paul (@RonPaul) October 14, 2024
GreenMedInfo reports:
As the U.S. prepares for one of the most controversial and closely watched elections in its history, a concerning update to DoD Directive 5240.01 has quietly been put into effect. Reissued on September 27, 2024, this directive governs the Department of Defense’s (DoD) intelligence activities and now includes provisions authorizing lethal force in certain circumstances when assisting civilian law enforcement. While the directive forbids assassination, it opens the door to lethal interventions under “national security” conditions, albeit with stringent restrictions on how such interventions are to be authorized.
This directive, reissued under the authority of the Secretary of Defense as per standard Department of Defense procedures, carries significant weight in shaping military operations and intelligence activities. While DoD Directives are typically internal policy documents, the implications of this particular update extend far beyond the walls of the Pentagon, potentially affecting civilian life and constitutional rights.
The reissuance of DoD Directive 5240.01 repealed previous versions, including the 1982 DoD 5240.1-R. While the update might seem routine, the changes regarding the use of lethal force in domestic operations are significant.
In the 2016 version, the directive primarily focused on intelligence collection and ensuring civil liberties protections for U.S. persons. It emphasized strict oversight and the need for authorization before collecting U.S. person information.
However, the 2024 version expands the military’s role, particularly in assisting civil law enforcement, and authorizes lethal force under specific conditions, raising questions about its use during potential civil unrest surrounding the election.
“The 2024 update introduces a dramatic shift, particularly regarding domestic operations. Section 3.3.a.(2)(c) now explicitly permits lethal force in cases of imminent threats or national security emergencies, provided the action complies with legal oversight, specifically DoDD 5210.56, which governs the use of deadly force by DoD personnel,” GreenMedInfo added.
Screenshots below:
“The timing of this update—just six weeks before the election—raises concerns. With debates surrounding election integrity, civil unrest, and political manipulation, the expanded powers granted by the directive could lead to military intervention in domestic affairs if civil unrest arises,” GreenMedInfo noted.
“Adding to the concern is the Department of Homeland Security’s recent expansion of what constitutes domestic terrorism. The DHS has flagged individuals questioning COVID-19 origins, vaccine efficacy, or election integrity as potential threats,” it added.
“Just in time for the election! A new Defense Department directive spells out the scenarios whereby the Defense Secretary can put US troops on US soil in situations where lethal force may be required,” Ron Paul wrote.
WATCH:
Just in time for the election! A new Defense Department directive spells out the scenarios whereby the Defense Secretary can put US troops on US soil in situations where lethal force may be required.
Also today: Biden rushes US troops into Israel's war on Lebanon...without… pic.twitter.com/yXcLpaxt4T
— Ron Paul (@RonPaul) October 14, 2024
Read the full DoD Directive HERE.
RELATED REPORT:
Why Have ALL 50 States Deployed National Guard Units Overseas?
Why Have ALL 50 States Deployed National Guard Units Overseas?
You learn something new every day...
Until recently, I thought the National Guard was strictly a domestic operation designed to protect people here at home.
While the Army, Navy and Air Force were designed to protect us in international conflict, I was always under the impression that the purpose of the National Guard was to make sure we had sufficient protections and help back here at home, if our military was deployed elsewhere.
I was shocked to learn that is NOT the case.
In fact, all 50 states have deployed troops overseas just within the last 4 years, with many currently deployed as we speak!
Once again, it's America LAST for the Biden Regime!
Draining our resources and our treasure and sending them everywhere but the actual United States.
This is so wrong!
Here is a comprehensive list of all 50 states and where their National Guard units have deployed:
1. Alabama
- Deployment Focus: Middle East and Africa
- Recent Missions: Supporting Operation Spartan Shield in Kuwait and security operations in the Horn of Africa.
2. Alaska
- Deployment Focus: Asia-Pacific
- Recent Missions: Working closely with Mongolia as part of the State Partnership Program and supporting disaster relief efforts in the Pacific(
).
3. Arizona
- Deployment Focus: Middle East
- Recent Missions: Arizona's National Guard has provided troops to Kuwait for Operation Spartan Shield.
4. Arkansas
- Deployment Focus: Middle East
- Recent Missions: The Arkansas National Guard has contributed to operations in Iraq and Kuwait, particularly in logistics and sustainment roles(
)(
).
5. California
- Deployment Focus: Europe and Africa
- Recent Missions: Supporting NATO efforts in Europe, especially in Romania, and assisting with humanitarian aid in Africa(
).
6. Colorado
- Deployment Focus: Europe
- Recent Missions: Colorado's National Guard has been involved in NATO exercises in Eastern Europe(
).
7. Connecticut
- Deployment Focus: Middle East and Africa
- Recent Missions: Units have been deployed to Djibouti for security operations and supporting Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq(
).
8. Delaware
- Deployment Focus: Europe
- Recent Missions: Delaware’s Air National Guard has participated in NATO operations, particularly involving airlift missions to Eastern Europe.
9. Florida
- Deployment Focus: Central America and Middle East
- Recent Missions: Florida's National Guard has supported counter-drug operations in Central America and has participated in missions in the Middle East(
).
10. Georgia
- Deployment Focus: Europe and Middle East
- Recent Missions: Georgia deployed over 1,000 troops to Europe and the Middle East for a combination of support operations and multinational exercises(
).
11. Hawaii
- Deployment Focus: Asia-Pacific
- Recent Missions: Hawaii's National Guard has been involved in Pacific-based training exercises and partnerships, particularly with Indonesia.
12. Idaho
- Deployment Focus: Europe and Africa
- Recent Missions: Deployed troops to Europe for Air Defender exercises and to Africa for African Lion exercises(
).
13. Illinois
- Deployment Focus: Middle East and Africa
- Recent Missions: Illinois troops have been involved in Operation Spartan Shield and supporting operations in Djibouti(
).
14. Indiana
- Deployment Focus: Middle East
- Recent Missions: Deployed 600 soldiers to the Middle East as part of Operation Spartan Shield in September 2024(
).
15. Iowa
- Deployment Focus: Europe and Africa
- Recent Missions: Participating in multinational exercises, including NATO-led operations.
16. Kansas
- Deployment Focus: Europe
- Recent Missions: Kansas units have been actively involved in NATO training missions.
17. Kentucky
- Deployment Focus: Middle East
- Recent Missions: Supporting peacekeeping operations in Kosovo and Middle Eastern security efforts.
18. Louisiana
- Deployment Focus: Central and South America
- Recent Missions: Focused on disaster relief and counter-drug operations(
)(
).
19. Maine
- Deployment Focus: Africa
- Recent Missions: Deployed personnel to Africa for security operations and training with African nations.
20. Maryland
- Deployment Focus: Europe and Middle East
- Recent Missions: Maryland’s National Guard has contributed to NATO exercises in Europe and provided combat support in the Middle East(
).
21. Massachusetts
- Deployment Focus: Africa and Europe
- Recent Missions: Focused on peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in Africa, as well as NATO operations in Europe.
22. Michigan
- Deployment Focus: Europe and Africa
- Recent Missions: Deployed troops to Sierra Leone as part of the State Partnership Program and contributed to NATO missions(
).
23. Minnesota
- Deployment Focus: Middle East
- Recent Missions: Deployed 550 soldiers to Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield(
).
24. Mississippi
- Deployment Focus: Middle East and Africa
- Recent Missions: Supporting ongoing missions in Africa and assisting with peacekeeping in the Middle East.
25. Missouri
- Deployment Focus: Europe and Middle East
- Recent Missions: Contributed to logistics support in both regions(
).
26. Montana
- Deployment Focus: Middle East and Europe
- Recent Missions: Montana's National Guard has been engaged in NATO training in Europe and deployed troops to the Middle East for support operations(
)(
).
27. Nebraska
- Deployment Focus: Europe
- Recent Missions: Participated in NATO's Ample Strike exercises and provided air refueling support for European missions(
).
28. Nevada
- Deployment Focus: Asia-Pacific and Europe
- Recent Missions: Nevada Guard members have supported Pacific-based training exercises and European defense initiatives(
)(
).
29. New Hampshire
- Deployment Focus: Middle East and Africa
- Recent Missions: New Hampshire Guard units have been deployed to support peacekeeping efforts in Africa and Middle Eastern operations(
).
30. New Jersey
- Deployment Focus: Europe
- Recent Missions: New Jersey units have played a key role in NATO's rotational presence in Europe(
).
31. New Mexico
- Deployment Focus: Central America and Europe
- Recent Missions: Involved in humanitarian missions in Central America and NATO's defense operations in Europe(
)(
).
32. New York
- Deployment Focus: Europe and Africa
- Recent Missions: New York has contributed to peacekeeping missions in Africa and combat readiness efforts in Europe(
).
33. North Carolina
- Deployment Focus: Europe and Middle East
- Recent Missions: North Carolina National Guard members have supported peacekeeping and training missions in Kosovo and NATO-led efforts in Eastern Europe(
)(
).
34. North Dakota
- Deployment Focus: Middle East and Africa
- Recent Missions: North Dakota troops have supported operations in Africa and provided logistics support in the Middle East(
)(
).
35. Ohio
- Deployment Focus: Europe and Africa
- Recent Missions: Ohio Guard units have been deployed to Europe to support NATO and contributed to peacekeeping efforts in Africa(
).
36. Oklahoma
- Deployment Focus: Europe
- Recent Missions: Oklahoma National Guard has participated in multinational exercises in Europe, particularly focused on logistics and support operations(
).
37. Oregon
- Deployment Focus: Kosovo and Europe
- Recent Missions: Oregon troops have been deployed to Kosovo as part of NATO peacekeeping operations(
).
38. Pennsylvania
- Deployment Focus: Middle East and Europe
- Recent Missions: Pennsylvania National Guard units have been active in both the Middle East and Europe, focusing on NATO missions(
)(
).
39. Rhode Island
- Deployment Focus: Africa and Europe
- Recent Missions: Rhode Island has supported humanitarian missions in Africa and participated in NATO exercises(
).
40. South Carolina
- Deployment Focus: Middle East and Africa
- Recent Missions: South Carolina has contributed troops to peacekeeping operations in Africa and supported Middle Eastern security efforts(
).
41. South Dakota
- Deployment Focus: Europe
- Recent Missions: South Dakota has participated in NATO-led operations and provided logistics support in Europe(
).
42. Tennessee
- Deployment Focus: Middle East
- Recent Missions: Deployed over 700 soldiers as part of Operation Spartan Shield in the Middle East(
)(
).
43. Texas
- Deployment Focus: Europe
- Recent Missions: Texas units have been involved in training exercises in Estonia as part of NATO efforts(
).
44. Utah
- Deployment Focus: Middle East and Europe
- Recent Missions: Utah Guard members have participated in Operation Spartan Shield and NATO defense initiatives(
)(
).
45. Vermont
- Deployment Focus: Africa
- Recent Missions: Vermont has contributed to peacekeeping and security operations in Africa, working closely with U.S. Africa Command(
)(
).
46. Virginia
- Deployment Focus: Asia-Pacific and Europe
- Recent Missions: Virginia units have participated in multinational exercises in South Korea and training missions in Europe(
)(
).
47. Washington
- Deployment Focus: Asia-Pacific
- Recent Missions: Washington National Guard units have been involved in Pacific defense operations, focusing on partnerships with Asian nations(
)(
).
48. West Virginia
- Deployment Focus: Middle East
- Recent Missions: West Virginia has supported combat operations in the Middle East and contributed to multinational training(
).
49. Wisconsin
- Deployment Focus: Middle East and Africa
- Recent Missions: Wisconsin has deployed over 300 soldiers to the Horn of Africa and the Middle East(
)(
).
50. Wyoming
- Deployment Focus: Europe
- Recent Missions: Wyoming units have supported NATO operations and provided logistics support in Europe(
)(
).
When I pressed ChatGPT on the primary mission for the Guard, it admitted the primary mission was to protect the homeland and respond to domestic emergencies, but we have clearly strayed far from that stated mission:
Yes, the National Guard's primary mission is to protect the homeland and respond to domestic emergencies, disasters, and other critical needs within the United States. This mission stems from the historical roots of the National Guard as a state-based militia, designed to assist governors in managing state emergencies, such as hurricanes, floods, fires, civil disturbances, and more.
The National Guard operates under a dual state and federal mission, meaning that while it is primarily designed to protect the interests of individual states and respond to domestic crises, it can also be federalized by the President to support broader national defense missions. When activated for federal service, the National Guard is deployed alongside the active-duty military to support U.S. interests abroad, contributing to global operations such as combat missions, peacekeeping, and humanitarian aid. This flexibility is part of the Guard's unique role in the U.S. military structure.
While the National Guard is crucial for domestic operations, global deployments allow the Guard to support U.S. national security interests by participating in international operations and defense collaborations, often in partnership with NATO and other allies. These missions enhance the Guard's readiness, provide vital training, and contribute to global stability, which in turn helps safeguard the U.S. at home by addressing threats abroad before they reach American shores.
Did you know this was happening?
