The Epoch Times
Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams confirmed Monday that the National Guard will be deployed in the city to deal with protests during the debate between President Donald Trump and Democrat nominee Joe Biden on Tuesday night.
“They’re here to make sure people exercise their constitutional rights,” Williams said of the National Guard, according to WKYC. He emphasized that the National Guard will be there to support law enforcement.
The National Guard arrived in the northeastern Ohio city on Monday.
“Our force specifically trains to focus on working closely with law enforcement in order to avoid any type of escalation or use of force,” Lt. Col. Audrey Fielding of the National Guard told the station. “Our number one focus is to treat everyone we encounter with dignity and respect and that’s what we’ll do over the next couple of days.”
Last week, Jackson asked Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine for assistance from the state’s National Guard during the debate.
More than 300 National Guard members were ordered to be deployed, according to a proclamation from DeWine.
