National Guard activated in Washington to help protect the White House

The National Guard has been activated in Washington, D.C. to assist police handling protests around the White House on Saturday, according to a statement from the DC National Guard on Facebook.

The DC National Guard (DCNG) ultimately reported to the President but was activated at the direction of the Secretary of the Army, according to the statement.

"The DCNG is always ready to assist district and federal agencies to protect human life and property. The DCNG is especially trained and equipped for this U.S. Park Police support mission and we proudly accept it,” Major General William J. Walker said in the statement.