National Guard was activated due to concerns over ‘large-scale demonstrations’
Gov. Charlie Baker activated the Guard Friday without giving a reason, and ended the activation Monday night.
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Gov. Charlie Baker’s decision to activate the National Guard on Friday had to do with concern for “large scale demonstrations,” according to the state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.
That activation ended at midnight Monday night, the state said.
Baker had activated up to 1,000 members of the Guard on Friday to help the state and local leaders, but didn’t give a reason, according to The Boston Globe at the time.
“Following coordination with municipal leaders through the weekend regarding potential large-scale demonstrations, Governor Baker today authorized the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard to end the Governor’s Aug. 28 activation order,” a statement from an EOPSS spokesperson said Monday. “That activation, which made Guard personnel available in the event that municipal leaders required their assistance, will end at midnight tonight [Monday].”
The Guard fulfills many different roles. Members help with weather disasters; they also helped with medical facilities during the pandemic’s surge in Massachusetts. The Guard also often trains with local first responders.
Boston did see some peaceful demonstrations on Sunday amid ongoing calls for racial justice and an end to police brutality.
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