Trump's far-right Proud Boys are ready for action
Washington and more than 20 states are deploying military personnel to protect election offices and government buildings from possible protests and violent unrest following the presidential election.
According to the New York Times, a vast network of 500,000 members is ready to mobilize on Election Day in order to interfere in the voting process and contest the results where Trump doesn't win. The Proud Boys have announced that they will go to polling stations and the message is for them to keep their weapons at the ready.
In order to prepare for the potential threat, more than 20 states have requested National Guard troops to be sent to Washington if needed and if a formal request is made in the weeks following the election as well as before the inauguration.
The District of Columbia has not yet formally requested the deployment of National Guard troops. However, officials are discussing and preparing for the possibility of increased violence at the Capitol when Congress certifies the election results on January 6 as well as the inauguration two weeks later.
Fears of potential political violence are also worrying officials in several swing states, where the results will determine the winner.
(MH with D. Rodriguez/Source: Reuters/Photo: DPA/NurPhoto/Zach D Roberts)