Mississippi National Guard troops sent to Washington

Mississippi has sent 400 National Guard troops to Washington to assist with security with ongoing protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of police.

In a release Wednesday the Mississippi National Guard said approximately 400 activated guard troops had arrived at their mission destination in support of civil authorities.

Gov. Tate Reeves said Wednesday that at the request of federal partners, Mississippi and eight or nine other states sent National Guard troops to Washington.

Reeves said the goal of the troops is to protect peaceful protesters, but will be there to provide support as needed to deal with protesters who aren't peacefully demonstrating.

George Floyd protest:Mississippians peacefully protest on Monday

"The MSNG's mission as Task Force Magnolia is providing military and strategic support to law enforcement to provide a safe and secure environment in the District of Columbia," Lt. Col. Deidre D. Smith said in the release.

On Monday, President Donald Trump urged governors across the country to deploy National Guard to quell violent demonstrations. News reports say at least 1,500 guard troops from across the country have been sent to the nation's capital, with more on the way. Some states' governors have refused Trump's request.

"The MSNG stands ready to respond to any mission in support of our state and nation to protect citizens and infrastructure during times of emergency and natural disasters," Smith said.

Gov. Tate Reeves has said he would support Mississippians' First Amendment right to protest, but warned against any "anarchists and antagonists from other parts of the country who seem committed to violence.”

 “I am not threatening, I am promising the full force of our state will be ready and willing to defend our communities. They will not stand back, they will lean in and you will not like the results,” Reeves said Monday during a press briefing.

 U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker said Wednesday he was proud of the Mississippi National Guard and its work to support safety in the capital.

"Our state’s guardsmen will be partners to local law enforcement as they work to prevent further injury, damage, or destruction in the days ahead," Wicker said.

“Unfortunately, this activation became necessary after peaceful protests on behalf of George Floyd were hijacked by extreme elements that have nothing to do with Floyd’s cause," Wicker said. "These individuals are exploiting the hurt and pain felt by so many Americans to carry out senseless acts of vandalism and violence.”

State Sen. Derrick Simmons, D-Greenville, said Wednesday he was pleased that people of all ethnicities have united around this country to show their displeasure with senseless black killings at the hands of law enforcement.

But Simmons said: "The militarized response to protesters exercising their 1st amendment rights runs counter to the unity we have seen and Mississippi has other problems to be concerned about than sending the Guard to D.C."

"I applaud the police officers and political officials who have joined in unity with the peaceful protesters to say enough is enough and the killings must stop and justice must be served on behalf of victims of police violence," said Simmons, the minority leader of the state Senate.

Contact Jimmie E. Gates at 601-961-7212 or jgates@gannett.com. Follow @jgatesnews on Twitter.