The District of Columbia National Guard will investigate the use of helicopters to disperse protesters.
The office of Maj. Gen. William J. Walker made the announcement Tuesday after protesters filmed at least two separate helicopters flying very low on Monday night, kicking up dust and debris in an apparent show of force to clear the gatherings. One helicopter that was used appeared to have Red Cross markings, which typically signals its humanitarian use. The other appeared to be a military helicopter with Army markings.
Helicopter parked over a crowd at 5/E St Nw #WashingtonDCProtest trying to force ppl away with noise and wind pic.twitter.com/x0AcC3ob0S
— Daniella Cheslow (@Dacheslow) June 2, 2020
Walker’s office released a statement on Tuesday that said the D.C. National Guard “is conducting an investigation into the June 1 low-flying maneuvers by its helicopters to ensure all involved complied with applicable procedures and safety regulations.”
The investigation will determine why a medical evacuation helicopter with the Red Cross signage was used during the protests.
“I hold all members of the District of Columbia National Guard to the highest of standards. We live and work in the District, and we are dedicated to the service of our nation,” Walker said. “I have directed an immediate investigation into the June 1 incident.”
The use of a medical helicopter disturbed many. Geoffrey Corn, a former Army lawyer and professor at the South Texas College of Law in Houston, told the Washington Post that the move was “foolish.”
“The symbolic significance of the Red Cross is pervasive: It denotes a ‘noncombatant’ function of the armed forces,” Corn said.
The National Guard was deployed in Washington, D.C., to regain control of rioters who have burned, looted, and vandalized many buildings throughout the city. The District was one of several cities to experience protests in honor of George Floyd, a black man who died after being arrested by a white Minneapolis officer who held him down by kneeling on his neck.
