SUPPORTING, NOT ENFORCING: As the third day of protests over the death of George Floyd turned violent across the nation, governors in 24 states and the mayor of the District of Columbia activated tens of thousands of National Guard troops to assist law enforcement in controlling crowds and protecting property from vandalism and arson.

But for now, the more than 62,000 military reinforcements have largely been kept away from direct contact with demonstrators, instead protecting facilities, providing traffic control, and providing other backup support so local police can concentrate on confronting the angry mobs.

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