Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers are being sent to help local police manage traffic and large crowds this Saturday. The support is being provided ahead of former President Donald Trump’s planned military parade in Philadelphia.
The parade is expected to bring a huge number of people to the area. Local officials are preparing for possible disruptions due to the event. With so many people expected, traffic control, crowd safety, and overall public security are the main focus for law enforcement and city organizers.
National Guard spokesperson Lt. Col. Keith Hickox confirmed that the soldiers will assist civilian authorities, not lead any operations.
Their role is only to support the police in keeping things under control during the parade. This includes helping with roadblocks, redirecting traffic, and keeping an eye on the crowd.
Officials from Philadelphia and the state government are coordinating closely. Safety and smooth flow of the parade are being treated as top priorities.
The presence of military vehicles and uniformed personnel is expected during the event, but they’re not being deployed for any emergency or conflict — just to manage logistics and safety.
The military parade is a political event connected to Donald Trump’s campaign. It’s drawing supporters from different parts of the state.
At the same time, some protest groups are also expected to show up, which could create tension in certain areas. That’s another reason why the city asked for help from the National Guard.
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) said there is no known threat at this time. They are simply preparing for a large public gathering and want to be ready for any situation. Police have advised the public to expect delays and plan their travel accordingly on Saturday.
This move to involve the National Guard comes at a time when security at political events is under close watch, especially with the upcoming 2024 presidential election. City and state leaders say this is about being prepared, not overreacting.
Many streets in the city center may be closed or rerouted for the parade. Local residents and businesses have been advised in advance. The city says it appreciates public cooperation and urges people to stay alert and follow instructions from authorities.
As of now, the National Guard has not shared how many soldiers will be deployed. The event is expected to begin on Saturday afternoon, with Trump scheduled to appear and speak during the parade.