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DC Protests Drown Out VP Vance, Defense Secretary Hegseth During National Guard Visit
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s meeting with National Guard members at Union Station on Wednesday was met with a chorus of protests. As the officials and Guard members ate what appeared to be burgers from a buffet, shouts of “Free D.C.” echoed through the station.
The vice president, while distributing burgers to the troops, maintained that the administration was restoring “law and order” to the city and expressed gratitude for the Guard’s presence. He attributed the protesters’ actions to an apparent disdain for Americans “enjoying their communities.”
The appearance, which also included White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, underscored the administration’s focus on the ongoing situation in D.C. and its commitment to an initiative that has drawn sharp criticism from the city’s Democratic leadership.
Approximately 1,900 National Guard troops, over half hailing from Republican-led states, have been deployed throughout the city, concentrating around downtown areas such as the National Mall, metro stations, and Union Station.
Tensions between the Guard and civilians have already flared. An early Wednesday morning accident involving an armored vehicle and a civilian car near the U.S.
Capitol resulted in minor injuries for the civilian driver, who had to be extricated from their vehicle. A video circulating online shows the aftermath of the collision, with the civilian car significantly damaged.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced over 550 arrests related to the unrest, and the U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $500 reward for information leading to further arrests.
Amidst the heightened security and ongoing demonstrations, Mayor Muriel Bowser encouraged teachers and school faculty to maintain normalcy and focus on their students. The deployment of National Guard troops has created a new reality for residents and city officials alike, who are adjusting to the increased military presence.