Massachusetts Gov. Charles Baker mobilized 1,000 members of the National Guard to maintain public safety following the election.
On Monday, Baker wrote an executive order saying the move was to “provide necessary assistance to state and local civilian authorities and/or special duty and emergency assistance for the preservation of life and of property, preservation of order, and afford protection to persons.” That number may be subject to change, the order states.
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“This activation shall begin on November 2, 2020 and continue until further order of the Adjutant General,” the order continues.
Here is a copy of the executive order. @MassGovernor has called up the National Guard to “protect public safety and the rights of all residents in the event of large-scale gatherings” after the election #WCVB pic.twitter.com/2VeWbxAzRq
— Sharman Sacchetti (@SharmanTV) November 2, 2020
“There is no indication of any public safety risk in Massachusetts. Just as the administration does for all major events, we have made additional resources available should local leaders request them,” said Thomas Turco, the executive office of public safety and security secretary.
“At this time, we are aware of no specific or credible threats to election sites in Massachusetts. We continue to monitor all available intelligence and will maintain an enhanced operational posture for Election Day and beyond and will be prepared to assist in any situations that arise in order to protect public safety and the rights of all our citizens,” said Massachusetts State Police Col. Christopher Mason.
Earlier this summer, Baker signed a similar order that activated 1,000 members of the National Guard in response to growing protests in the state.
Large cities that were the site of violence and riots this summer have taken action to deter unrest following the election, including Los Angeles and New York City. The White House is also taking extra security precautions in the event of unrest in Washington, such as the construction of a “nonscalable” fence around the White House perimeter. Two-hundred and fifty members of the National Guard were also put on standby.
Over 2.28 million Massachusetts citizens have already cast their ballots in the election. Nationally, over 96.4 million people have voted.
