Governors in 15 states activate the National Guard in response to civil unrest

As civil unrest has erupted throughout the U.S. following the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minnesota, multiple states and Washington, D.C. have activated National Guard troops to help contain the crisis.

The National Guard Bureau reported that as of Sunday morning, around 5,000 of its soldiers and airmen had been activated across 15 states and the District of Columbia due to the civil disturbances and an additional 2,000 were ready if needed.

In a press release today, the National Guard reported that as of Sunday, soldiers and airmen had been activated in 24 states and Washington D.C., bringing the total number of Guard members on duty in support of their governors to nearly 62,000. 

"This number represents activations for civil unrest, COVID-19 response, as well as state-specific disasters such as wildfires, flooding and other natural disasters," the press release stated.

President Trump on Sunday called for Democratic leaders to call in the National Guard.

In a tweet, Trump wrote: "Get tough Democrat Mayors and Governors. These people are ANARCHISTS. Call in our National Guard NOW. The World is watching and laughing at you and Sleepy Joe. Is this what America wants? NO!!!"

During recent demonstrations, police vehicles have been set ablaze, and people have looted and destroyed property.