Here's Why The MA National Guard Was Activated Over The Weekend

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker said he activated 1,000 National Guard members this weekend as a precaution after several communities requested help in advance of planned demonstrations.

Baker activated the National Guard Friday night, with an order only saying the move was 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."

On Tuesday, he expanded on the situation, saying there were some 50 events posted on social media that potentially could have had "very big" turnouts.

"We heard from a number of municipal officials who asked us if we would have people available to support them if those events turned out to be bigger than what they would be able to manage on their own," Baker said.

The National Guard members were not used. Their activation was rescinded Monday.