Politics & Government

1,000 MA National Guard Members Activated; No Reason Given

Nationwide protests have resurfaced in the aftermath of the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin.

Soldiers from the Massachusetts National Guard stand behind a barricade during a protest against police brutality June 7 in Boston, triggered by the death of George Floyd.
Soldiers from the Massachusetts National Guard stand behind a barricade during a protest against police brutality June 7 in Boston, triggered by the death of George Floyd. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker signed an order Friday activating 1,000 members of the state's National Guard.

There was no reason given for the move. The activation is in effect immediately.

Baker's order said the National Guard is being put on "active duty to provide necessary assistance to State and local civilian authorities and/or special duty and emergency assistance for the preservation of life and property, preservation of order, and to afford protection to persons."

Find out what's happening in Bostonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Nationwide unrest and protests have resurfaced in the aftermath of the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin, but there have been no major protests in Massachusetts.

The National Guard was deployed in May after some large protests in Boston gave way to violence. People had been protesting following the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minnesota.

Find out what's happening in Bostonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.