COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) – On Friday, Governor Mike DeWine announced that an Ohio National Guardsman has been removed from the mission in Washington D.C. after the FBI discovered he expressed white supremacist ideology online.
Major General John Harris announced Tuesday that 100 National Guard soldiers were sent to Washington D.C. at the request of the Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. Soldiers were sent to Washington D.C. to assist local authorities and provide security at the White House, along with critical national monuments.
"While I fully support everyone's right to free speech, the men and women of our National Guard are sworn to protect all of us, regardless of race, ethnic background, or religion," said Governor DeWine. "Our Ohio National Guard members are in a position of trust and authority during times of crisis, and anyone who displays malice toward specific groups of Americans has no place serving."
DeWine said the Ohio National Guard and the Ohio Department of Public Safety are fully cooperating with the FBI in its investigation. The individual is suspended from all missions at this time. Their identity has not been released.
Following due process, DeWine said it is highly likely that this individual will be permanently removed from the Ohio National Guard.
"I have directed General Harris to work with Public Safety Director Tom Stickrath to set up a procedure so occurrences like this do not happen in the future," said DeWine.
The announcement came at Governor DeWine's coronavirus press briefing.
ABC6/FOX28 will continue to update this developing story.