COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio is activating 580 National Guard members to respond to potential unrest in Ohio and Washington D.C. around the inauguration, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Tuesday.
While officials in D.C. and around the country brace for unrest in Washington D.C. and at statehouses in all 50 states, the governor signed an order Tuesday authorizing Ohio National Guard deployments, he said.
"This is an activation of members of the National Guard, to bring them up to the highest level that is needed to be available for use in Washington, D.C. and in the state of Ohio,” DeWine said.
The governor said about 200 Guard members would be headed to the nation’s capital. The exact number will depend on the federal government’s request.
“The goal is peace. The goal is protection of property and the protection of people,” DeWine said.
Ohio has sent Guard members to inaugurations in previous transfers of power, calling the activation of the Guard a “normal” procedure.
The governor did not provide details regarding which Ohio cities will get back-up from the Guard. He said he is in touch with the state's mayors as officials evaluate security needs.
The authorization of the Guard follows violent skirmishes at the Ohio Statehouse on Jan. 6. The state has already enhanced security at the Statehouse. During political demonstrations Saturday, a line of officers stood guard on the building's steps while additional officers monitored from the roof of the Statehouse.