Maryland National Guard's New Riot Control Force
A National Guard spokesman explained that on-call reaction forces have existed for about 20 years in every state and territory, serving as a resource for governors.
Following a memo from a senior military official before the midterm elections, ordering all states and territories to establish reaction forces capable of crowd and riot control, the Maryland National Guard prioritized this directive. They informed personnel that hundreds of soldiers must be ready to deploy by April.
Concerns Over Use of Reaction Force
Some former troops and legislators worry that this newly formed reaction force could suppress peaceful protests or intimidate voters in upcoming elections. A public safety analyst told The Baltimore Sun that employing the National Guard to combat crime is unprecedented, expensive, and imprudent.
Protests and Political Context
Since President Donald Trump assumed office, "No Kings" demonstrations have appeared in many major U.S. cities, including Baltimore. Protesters have voiced opposition to issues like rising health care expenses tied to Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," passed in Congress this summer, and the ongoing federal government shutdown—the longest in U.S. history.
At times, President Trump has sought to deploy the National Guard to suppress protests, notably attempting to do so in Portland after persistent demonstrations outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility escalated.
“These on-call elements have existed for approximately 20 years in every state and territory as a response force available to governors.” — National Guard spokesman
“The use of the National Guard to address crime is unprecedented, costly and unwise.” — Public safety analyst, The Baltimore Sun
“These protests have been aimed at issues such as increased health care costs included in Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ that passed Congress this summer, or the current federal government shutdown, the longest in U.S.”
Summary
The establishment of Maryland’s new National Guard reaction force raises significant concerns about potential misuse to suppress protests and influence elections amid heightened political tensions.
Would you prefer a more formal or conversational tone in the summary?