Gov. McAuliffe Orders Increased Patrols Around Military Recruiting Centers

Gov. Terry McAuliffe has asked Virginia State Police to increase patrols around military recruiting centers in the aftermath of two attacks last week on military facilities in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Virginia News-Pilot reported.

However, the News-Pilot also added that Gov. McAuliffe will not follow a precedent set by seven other state governors who opted to order their states’ National Guardsmen be armed.

Gov. McAuliffe reportedly spoke with Maj. Gen. Timothy Williams of the Virginia National Guard earlier this week, and was advised by Williams not to arm his National Guard, the governor told CBS affiliate WUSA.

“We’re going to do everything we can, the second (Williams) needs something we’re going to be there for him. But he has requested of me today we don’t arm our National Guard members,” McAuliffe said.

Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin are the states that have armed their National Guards as of time of publication. Some politicians in the state, including Sen. Richard Black (R-Loudon) have called on McAuliffe to arm his guardsmen, reports the News-Pilot.

McAuliffe did ask Brian Moran, his secretary of public safety and homeland security, to increase patrols around recruiting facilities and reserve offices as an added safety measure, according to the News-Pilot.

Patch file photo