Gov. Baker activates 1,000 members of the Massachusetts National Guard

BOSTON — On Friday, Governor Charlie Baker signed an order activating up to 1,000 members of the Massachusetts National Guard.

In a release, a spokesperson for Baker said the order was done in the event that municipal leaders need the assistance of the National Guard.

“Governor Baker today signed an order activating up to 1,000 members of the Massachusetts National Guard in the event that municipal leaders require their assistance. National Guard personnel are deployed only at the request of, and in coordination with, the communities seeking support.”

—  Executive Office of Public Safety & Security spokesperson

On Saturday morning, Baker’s office released a letter stating, in part, “I am hereby exercising my authority under Massachusetts General Laws...to activate Massachusetts National Guard personnel under State active duty to provide necessary assistance to State and local civilian authorities and/or special duty and emergency assistance for the preservation of life and property, preservation of order, and to afford protection to persons.”

This isn’t first time the National Guard has been activated in Massachusetts in recent months.

Earlier in the year, when the coronavirus pandemic was still in its early stages, Baker activated up to 2,000 members of the Massachusetts National Guard to assist in mitigating the effects of the global pandemic.

In the summer when protests broke out across the country calling for justice for George Floyd, a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on his neck as he pleaded for air, the National Guard was called in to assist state and local police in their response to the protests and riots.

In Boston, members of the National Guard were seen patrolling the streets downtown to prevent people from rioting and looting businesses.

For their response in the pandemic, the National Guard helped perform COVID-19 testing, deliver food to residents and secure medical facilities. Some members have also aided in tornado, blizzard and other severe weather responses in Massachusetts.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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