200 National Guard Troops Deployed In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — Two hundred California National Guard troops were deployed Thursday in San Diego County to support police officers in La Mesa and sheriff's deputies across the region after a request from Sheriff Bill Gore.

The deployment comes amid continuing protests calling for racial justice and an end to police brutality in the wake of the death of George Floyd, a black man who died on Memorial Day after a white police officer in Minneapolis pinned Floyd's neck with his knee for almost nine minutes.

"We remain committed in protecting people's right to peacefully protest," Gore said in a statement. "We also want to prepare for any demonstrations escalating into riots."

The troops will work alongside law enforcement to provide security to critical infrastructures, including public buildings, courthouses and power grids, and to prevent the destruction of property, Gore said.

"This mutual aid will free up local officers to respond to incidents of arson, break-ins, looting, vandalism and rioting," he said.

The troops cannot make arrests, but can detain suspects until law enforcement arrives, Gore added. Troops can also escort ambulances and fire trucks.

A total of 100 troops were deployed to La Mesa and 100 more will be deployed along with sheriff's deputies elsewhere across the county, sheriff's officials said.

Wednesday marked the sixth straight day of protests in the San Diego region. Most protests and marches have remained peaceful in the county, but arson, looting and vandalism left businesses damaged and destroyed over the weekend in La Mesa, including two banks that were burned to the ground. La Mesa City Hall also sustained fire damage.

"Deputies came to the aid of La Mesa police, but we did not have enough resources to stop the vandals and thieves from targeting law enforcement and ravaging businesses," Gore said. "The crowd was more than we anticipated. We were outmanned. We're not going to let that happen again."

A protest Sunday in downtown San Diego also resulted in damage to several businesses.

Gore noted that the National Guard was deployed to the county to help with mass evacuations during the 2003 and 2007 wildfires.

"It is made up of people who volunteer from our communities. They could be people you know like teachers, doctors, lawyers, retail clerks or parents," he said.

"We thank the guard troops for their service and support so we can ensure the protection of life and property while balancing people's right to peacefully assemble."

Also see:

• Law Enforcement Agencies Across San Diego County Cease Chokeholds
• Thousands Raised For La Mesa Businesses After Devastating Riots
• La Mesa Cleans Up After Night Of Protests, Arson And Looting
• 3 Arrested For Curfew Violations In Santee
• 2 Arrested For Pointing Gun At Protesters In Santee
• Protestors March In Balboa Park, Gather Near SDPD Headquarters
• Over 100 Arrested After Looters Rob, Vandalize Shops In San Diego