West Virginia's Guard in D. C. : A Legal Showdown

Governor Sued Over National Guard Deployment

A local group is suing West Virginia's governor, Patrick Morrisey, for sending National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. The governor's office maintains that federal law supports their decision.

Case Background

• Multiple hearings have taken place over the past few weeks.
• The latest hearing is set for Monday afternoon.
• The case revolves around whether the governor had the legal authority to send up to 300 Guard members to D.C.

Arguments from Both Sides

West Virginia Citizen Action Group

• Claims the governor overstepped his authority.
• State law only allows deployment for natural disasters or emergencies.
• Argues the current situation does not meet these criteria.

Governor's Office

• Believes federal law supports their actions.
• Points to President Donald Trump's executive order declaring a crime emergency in D.C.
• Despite this, U.S. Justice Department reports that violent crime in D.C. is at a 30-year low.

Key Developments in the Case

• The civic group argues the deployment has diverted their focus from government accountability.
• The state attorney general's office argues the group lacks standing to challenge the governor's decision.
• Judge Richard Lindsay has continued hearings, requesting more specific arguments on the legality of the deployment.

Deployment Details

• Initially set to last until November 30.
• There is talk of extending the deployment.
• The Washington D.C. National Guard has been extended through February.

Broader Context

• Part of President Trump's effort to send military personnel to Democratic-run cities.
• Has sparked multiple lawsuits and court rulings.
• Eight states and the district have sent over 2,300 Guard troops to D.C.
• Hundreds of federal agents were also deployed to assist.