Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh addressed the violent incident in Pennsylvania over the weekend, where a gunman attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Singh emphasized that such violence has no place in America and is not an acceptable way to resolve differences. The tragic event resulted in the death of a Pennsylvania man and injuries to others, prompting Singh to stress that the U.S. military has not made any changes to force posture in response to the attack. Additionally, she confirmed that the suspect, Thomas Matthew Crooks, had no military service affiliation and was ultimately killed by Secret Service snipers.
Despite the violent incident in Pennsylvania, there have been no alterations to the planned deployment of National Guardsmen and some active-duty personnel in support of the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Approximately 1,700 National Guardsmen, along with a small number of active-duty personnel, will be providing support to civil authorities from July 13-19. These individuals will be working alongside the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, and Milwaukee metro police department to ensure 24/7 operations. The National Guard members are primarily from the Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota National Guard, offering various capabilities such as civil support, explosive ordnance expertise, and security to maintain peace, order, and public safety.
The National Guard’s support for the Republican National Convention has been long planned and is part of their commitment to assisting civil authorities during national, special security events. The Milwaukee convention is one of three such events where the National Guard will be providing support, with the NATO summit in Washington being another recent example. Guardsmen will also be deployed to aid in security measures for the upcoming Democratic National Convention later this summer. This coordinated effort between the National Guard and law enforcement agencies aims to protect life, property, and maintain public safety during these significant events.
In conclusion, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh’s remarks underscore the importance of condemning violence as a means of resolving differences and upholding the values of peace and civility in America. The continued deployment of National Guardsmen and active-duty personnel to support civil authorities during major events like the Republican National Convention demonstrates the military’s dedication to enhancing security and safeguarding public welfare. By working in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, these personnel play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals attending these important gatherings, ultimately contributing to the preservation of peace and order within the country.
