Thread by @protctdemocracy

LIVE NOW: @EsperDoD and #GenMilley @thejointstaff are testifying before the House Committee on Armed Services (#HASC) to address when the military can be used for domestic law enforcement. We’re listening.
TUNE IN & follow this thread for more.
armedservices.house.gov/2020/7/full-co…

Between now and November, more protests are possible. @realDonaldTrump could use them as justification to invoke the #InsurrectionAct and interfere with the #2020Election. The public needs to know if that'd be lawful.

Secy @EsperDoD says at all times the Guard units from outside DC were under section 502(f) authority and remained at all times under the command of their governors.
Who commanded the National Guard not to use firearms?

.@EsperDoD tells Congress that out of state National Guard members deployed to DC stayed under command of their own governors but also “reported to General Walker,” the Commanding General of the DC National Guard.

So who was in charge?

.@EsperDoD also tells Congress that the #InsurrectionAct is under the exclusive authority of POTUS.

We have some of our own questions for @EsperDoD and #GenMilley:

#HASC Chairman @RepAdamSmith “finds it hard to believe” @EsperDoD didn’t know who ordered the protesters to be cleared from Lafayette Square. Dodging like this is why 1,250 DOJ Alumni demand an investigation. medium.com/@dojalumni/doj…

.@EsperDoD said out-of-state National Guard called to DC by the president were “cooperatively” following the command of General Walker of DC National Guard. Federalizing National Guard without statutory authorization violates the Posse Comitatus Act. protectdemocracy.org/project/resist…

Using the military to regulate civilians offends liberty. *Congress* holds the constitutional power to legislate on domestic military deployment. If @realDonaldTrump defies that, he breaks the law. As #GenMilley swore today, the troops won’t turn their backs on the Constitution