COLUMBUS, Ohio — A crowd of peaceful protesters gathered outside the Ohio Statehouse this weekend, voicing opposition to Gov. Mike DeWine’s decision to deploy more than 100 Ohio National Guard troops to Washington, D.C.

The move follows a federal request after President Donald Trump declared control over the District of Columbia, citing public safety concerns. The administration says the National Guard is needed to curb crime and restore order.

“People are so happy seeing our military going into D.C. and getting these thugs out,” Trump said Thursday during an Oval Office event.

Former Vice President Mike Pence backed the decision during an appearance on CNN, saying, “If the District of Columbia was actually a state, it would have the highest homicide rate in the country.”

He added,

See Full Page