The Vermont National Guard briefed lawmakers Tuesday about the circumstances in which it would be called out to deal with riot or rebellion in the state.
The hypothetical conversation came about in light of President Donald Trump’s claim this summer that he would be open to using military force in states that refuse to deploy the National Guard to quell protests.
In the joint House General and Senate Gov Ops hearing, Adj. Gen. Greg Knight, accompanied by an entourage, told lawmakers that he views the Guard’s role in quelling civil disobedience as “straightforward.”
“We are the resource of last resort,” Knight said. “If we’re called, it is not a protest, it means something vastly different.”
“Our supporting role of civil authority is to preserve life, protect property, and maintain public safety — that’s it,” Knight added. “It is always in the background, it is always in support.”
Under normal circumstances, the current governor would have to request the Guard’s help for members to be deployed in Vermont. But because it receives federal funding, the U.S. president could federalize and control the Guard.
Rep. John Killacky, D-South Burlington, asked to clarify the Guard’s police powers and whether if deployed they could detain or arrest people.
One of the Guard leaders responded that “it would have to do some digging on that” but that the understanding is that members could be asked to transport an individual but could not arrest someone. – KN
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