Gov. Patrick Morrisey has announced that National Guard troops and State Police troopers have been directed to “stand ready” at protests planned for Saturday.
In a statement posted to Facebook on Friday afternoon, Morrisey addressed the number of “No Kings” rallies that are set to take place nationwide — one of which is scheduled for Morgantown.
“I support the constitutional right to free speech and assembly, but West Virginia will uphold law and order,” Morrisey said. “We will not tolerate looting, destruction, vandalism, or any violence toward law enforcement.
“I have directed the National Guard and State Police to stand ready to quell any actions that cross the line from peaceful protest to violent criminal behavior.”
The rallies are being billed as the largest protests yet against President Donald Trump’s actions since taking office for a second term. They will coincide with the military parade in Washington, D.C., to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. It is also Trump’s 79th birthday.
The No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at 243 High St., Morgantown.
