Gov. Rhoden opens up on decision to send National Guard troops to Washington DC

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Twelve South Dakota Army National Guard soldiers have been mobilized to Washington DC to help with President Trump’s crime fighting operation.

The 12 troops are based out of Rapid City and are assigned to the 129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

KOTA Territory’s Blake Troli spoke with the governor on why he felt South Dakota needed to get involved in protecting our nation’s capitol.

Rhoden made the announcement over the weekend; he’s now opening up about his decision. Rhoden says he felt it was important to support Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary and former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.

“It kind of makes your heart sick to go there, and to see the crime rates and, and just the lawlessness that abounds in DC, and that should be the beacon of hope for our nation, and its not,” said Rhoden.

The mobilization of guard members from South Dakota is being funded by the federal government. The South Dakota members will be under the control of Washington DC’s National Guard. The governor touched on whether he would send National Guard members to other states at the request of the president.

“We’ll take them as they come, but, I am very willing to support our president,” said Rhoden.

Trump declared a crime emergency in Washington DC last month.

The mayor of Washington DC, Muriel Bowser, has positively credited the surge in support from several federal law enforcement agencies with reducing crime. At the same time, she has been critical of ICE agents and National Guard members who’ve been sent to her city.

“What hasn’t worked in my opinion, and hasn’t been efficient, and is not on mission is National Guard troops, especially from other states,” Bowser told reporters last week.

Rhoden says he believes the members from South Dakota are on mission by being in DC.

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