Worthy Christian News > US News > U.S. National Guard Deploys Amid Fears Of Civil War After Election

U.S. National Guard Deploys Amid Fears Of Civil War After Election

By Stefan J. Bos, Special Correspondent Worthy News

(Worthy News) – The nation’s military reserve force began deploying across the United States Tuesday amid mounting concerns that the 2020 presidential election’s outcome may lead to civil unrest or even war.

The National Guard took up tasks ranging from ‘cyber defense’ against attacks on computer systems to providing security around polling stations, military sources said. They were also standing by in case of post-election civil unrest, reported the well-informed MilitaryTimes.com news service.

Police and other federal law agencies are also involved in the operation as riots continue in several cities, Worthy News established. Security experts warned Tuesday there were “legitimate concerns and reasons” for cities to brace for brutality. “Our intelligence shows that no matter who wins the election, they [the left-wing Antifa movement] are planning a massive ‘Antifa Tet Offensive,’ bent on destroying the global order. They are not beholden to any one party,” Lewis told Fox News Channel.

Lewis is a former U.S. Army Green Beret and founder of First Amendment Praetorian (1AP). His crowdfunded, volunteer force of military, law enforcement, and intelligence professionals seeks “to protect the [Constitution’s] First Amendment and those who use it.”

It references the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and press freedom. However, Antifa’s “sole purpose is to create havoc, fear, and intimidation,” Lewis complained. He referred to months of often deadly riots and shootings that U.S. President Donald J. Trump has linked to Antifa, which claims to be an anti-fascist group.

PRAYERS URGED

Security forces had plans drawn up for weeks in anticipation of possible violence after the November 3 ballot. Amid the turmoil, Christian groups have been praying for the United States.

Among them is American Pastor George Whitten, the founder of Worthy Ministries and its Worthy News agency. He visited several riot-stricken regions to pray and reach people “with the Gospel” of Christ. “Christians may see this turmoil as an opportunity for revival. Christ is at work, and His hope is still relevant today,” he told Worthy News.

Whoever wins the ballot, providing security to critical areas won’t be easy for the military, National Guard officials warned. “The COVID-19 pandemic has presented new challenges necessitating the use of Guard personnel to support the election. As have concerns about foreign actors attempting to disrupt the election through cyberattacks,” MilitaryTimes.com reported.

MORE TROOPS?

The online news service cited senior Guard officials from Nebraska, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin. At least 1,400 Guard troops have been committed to the effort military sources said. Many states have yet to determine how many troops they will need. “Being a poll worker is something that’s new to the Wisconsin National Guard,” explained Army Brig. Gen. Robyn Blader, an assistant adjutant general of the Wisconsin National Guard.

“However, serving our state during times of need is one of our core missions,” he told MilitaryTimes.com. “And that isn’t new. Our service members continue to answer the call. And they continue to be willing to serve their state and nation in times of need.”

Not everyone seems convinced the National Guard and other law enforcement agencies will be enough to prevent civil unrest. The city of Denver, for instance, has warned downtown businesses to prepare for social unrest around the election.

The city has passed out half-page flyers urging business owners to call 911 if they witness anyone damaging property around Tuesday’s election, local media reported. “YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS,” the flyer reads. “The city cares about your safety and well-being.”