Trump Orders National Guard Withdrawal from Washington... Signal of Tension Easing

Floyd's Body Arrives in Hometown Texas

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the withdrawal of the National Guard troops deployed in Washington DC in response to the riots. The remains of George Floyd, the Black man whose death sparked the unrest, have arrived in his hometown and will be laid to rest.

On the 7th (local time), President Trump tweeted, "I have just ordered the process to begin to withdraw our National Guard from Washington DC."

The Washington Post (WP) reported that President Trump posted the tweet after more than 10,000 people peacefully marched through Washington DC the day before, interpreting it as "a sign that the tension that had gripped the city is beginning to ease."

According to CNN, about 5,000 National Guard troops were deployed in the capital area. However, it is unclear whether the withdrawal order applies to all these National Guard troops or only those from other states. Earlier, Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington DC, had requested troop withdrawal in a letter sent to President Trump on the 5th.

President Trump's order to withdraw the National Guard is interpreted as a measure taken because the justification for maintaining a strong military response with troops disappeared as violent protests and looting ceased and peaceful demonstrations took hold. It also signifies the beginning of efforts to resolve the insubordination incident involving Secretary of Defense Mark Esper.

Meanwhile, the remains of George Floyd, who died from asphyxiation after being choked by a police officer, arrived in Texas on the same day. In Houston, Texas, Floyd's hometown, a memorial service is scheduled for the 8th, followed by a private funeral on the 9th.

Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential candidate who was initially expected to attend the funeral, plans to visit Houston on the 8th to offer condolences to Floyd's family.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.