‘Happy to do it’: Gov. McMaster comments on SC National Guard members returning to DC

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster provided more details Monday on his decision to send members of the state’s National Guard back to the nation’s capital.

McMaster said that the state would be sending between 200-300 National Guard members after a shooting that killed one National Guard soldier and injured another in Washington, D.C.

The governor told reporters that his order came after a request from the U.S. Secretary of the Army.

“The request was open-ended,” he said. “We didn’t know when we would be asked again, but we were asked again. And so we’re happy to do it. It’s important.”

McMaster was also asked whether the shooting prompted more talks about South Carolina National Guard members going back to Washington.

“We know it’s always dangerous. In these times, particularly, there’s always danger,” he said. “But the guardsmen and women know that when they are called, that’s what they may face. It’s just like law enforcement here in the state and everywhere in the country. First responders included. It’s dangerous. It’s also tragic.”

McMaster also said that the guard is being called to the nation’s capital under Title 32 of the U.S. Code, which states the federal government will fund the deployment. He also noted guardsmen from South Carolina are available to provide extra defense for the city.

“These are warriors, of course. That’s what they’re trained for,” said McMaster. “So their purpose here is to be very visible, to have a strong presence, to be the front line of alert and a first line of prevention. And they are very good at it.”

It’s unclear when South Carolina’s National Guard contingent will be deployed. It’ll also mark the second deployment to Washington this year.

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