Trump Orders National Guard Withdrawal from Washington as Protests Simmer

By Staff, Agencies

US President Donald Trump said that he has ordered the National Guard to withdraw from Washington DC as protests against police brutality and racism in the American capital slowly subside.

"I have just given an order for our National Guard to start the process of withdrawing from Washington, D.C., now that everything is under perfect control," Trump posted to Twitter on Sunday,

"They will be going home, but can quickly return, if needed. Far fewer protesters showed up last night than anticipated!"

Tens of thousands of peaceful protesters rallied for racial justice Saturday in cities across the United States following the death of African-American George Floyd at the hands of police.

Protests took place from New York to Los Angeles but Washington was at the epicenter, as thousands of people -- black, white and brown -- flooded downtown streets surrounding the White House, which was barricaded with black metal fencing.

"This fight has been happening for many, many decades, hundreds of years, and at this point it's time for a change," said Washington native Christine Montgomery.

Military personnel, as well as the police, watched over the gathering. But there appeared to be fewer than on previous days, and some gave the protesters small smiles and waves as they marched by.