Differing perspectives from Shapiro and Garrity on the deployment of the National Guard, as Trump broadens his power scope
In a series of developments, Pennsylvania finds itself at the centre of a nationwide debate over the deployment of federal troops.
According to a spokesperson, the state's guard, under the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, has not been asked to participate in troop deployments domestically since President Trump took office in January. This contrasts with the recent announcement by the President, who intends to deploy federal troops to Chicago and Baltimore, as well as potentially New Orleans.
The President's decision has sparked controversy, with Brent Landau, executive director of the Philly-based Public Interest Law Center, stating that such a deployment violates a federal law. Landau's concerns were echoed by Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, who last month condemned the Guard's presence in the nation's capital.
In a move that further fueled the debate, a federal judge ruled on Tuesday that any attempt to direct federal forces to U.S. cities is unconstitutional. In response, the Trump administration has appealed the ruling.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has stated that his administration is prepared for the potential deployment of federalized troops to the state. However, he has also emphasized that violent crime is down in Pennsylvania, and that the state has invested millions of dollars in policing and community organizations to help bring down violent crime by 42%.
Governor Shapiro has also made it clear that he views any potential deployment as a breach of the law. He suggested that he would be in the best position to challenge such a deployment in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, should it occur.
Civil-liberty groups, including the Public Interest Law Center, have also indicated that they might mount a legal challenge against any potential federal deployment. The Philadelphia Mayor's Office declined comment last week on the city's would-be response to a federal deployment there.
Meanwhile, the campaign of state treasurer Stacy Garrity, a potential challenger to Governor Shapiro next year, did not respond directly to a query about whether she favors the deployment of National Guard troops in Pennsylvania. Nor did she say whether she would call up Pennsylvania guard detachments for deployment to police other states. However, it is known that Garrity supports the deployment of National Guard troops in Pennsylvania to assist with emergencies and maintain public safety.
As the nation waits for the outcome of the legal challenges and the President's intentions, the state of Pennsylvania remains on alert, preparing for the possibility of the White House acting outside the bounds of the law. The state has not received any indication of a federal intervention as of yet.
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