No, the National Guard isn’t imposing Martial Law; here’s how they’re combating coronavirus
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Concerned citizens are asking if the National Guard was coming to declare Martial Law. This is not true.
The fake message reads something like this:
“Here’s what my friend texted me. (His dad works for homeland security). He said that they are preparing to mobilize the national guard. Preparing to dispatch them across the US along with military.”
The message goes on to say that there will be a national quarantine and people need to stock up on supplies.
“He said they are preparing to announce a nationwide 1 week quarantine for all citizens All (sic) businesses closed. Everyone at home.”
The message began to circulate on Facebook, but has since spread to other social platforms.
It has even captured the attention of prominent government officials such as Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, who sought to dispute the rumor.
The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department has also been getting calls about this and is also trying to calm the public’s fears.
Now, let’s get to what is true and what the National Guard is doing to help.
The National Guard has been called in to several states to help with food distribution in some areas, mainly in New York. They are also assisting with COVID-19 testing, according to a press release on the National Guard’s website.
Gen. Joseph Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau, laid out the National Guard’s response on Twitter.
In a press release, the Kansas Adjunct General’s Office said that the Kansas National Guard is helping to provide logistics and support to local authorities.
“I am proud of the work these men and women do as citizen-soldiers and airmen — especially in the face of emergencies that threaten Kansans,” Gov. Laura Kelly said.
“They live and work in our communities, and yet always are prepared when called to duty — whether at the state or federal level. For that, they all deserve our support and praise. They also share my highest priority, which is to protect the safety and well-being of all Kansans.”
As for the Stafford Act, President Donald Trump already used it to declare a national emergency on March 13, which paves the way for $40 billion in FEMA money that can be used to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump also said Friday he doesn’t plan on imposing any kind of nationwide stay-at-home order like a few states have done.