OH Gov To Deploy National Guard For First Debate

Cleveland’s NBC News affiliate reports:

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued a proclamation Thursday to activate 300 members of the Ohio National Guard to assist police officers at the presidential debate in Cleveland next week.

DeWine said he reached this decision after receiving a formal request from the Cleveland Police Department Wednesday night. The National Guard will help to make sure there’s “a safe and secure environment for those attending Tuesday’s presidential debate in Cleveland,” according to the governor.

The first presidential debate will be co-hosted by Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic, after the University of Notre Dame decided to withdraw from hosting it, citing COVID-19 concerns.

After receiving a formal request from Cleveland officials last night, I am issuing a proclamation today that activates around 300 @OHNationalGuard members to help @CLEPolice ensure a safe and secure environment for those attending Tuesday’s presidential debate in Cleveland.

— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) September 24, 2020