Kristi Noem's Claim Of Ordering National Guard Deployment Against Protesters: Fact Check

James

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Post on Jun 13, 2025

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Kristi Noem's Claim of Ordering National Guard Deployment Against Protesters: Fact Check

Introduction: South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has repeatedly claimed she personally ordered the deployment of the National Guard during 2020 protests in Sioux Falls. This assertion, however, has been met with skepticism and calls for clarification. This article delves into the facts surrounding this claim, examining available evidence and offering a comprehensive fact-check. Understanding the true sequence of events is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability in government actions.

The Contested Claim: Governor Noem has publicly stated on multiple occasions that she directly ordered the deployment of the South Dakota National Guard to quell protests related to the death of George Floyd. These statements have been made in various interviews and public appearances, often framed as a decisive action to prevent violence and maintain order.

The Evidence and its Interpretation: While Governor Noem asserts direct command, official documentation and statements from National Guard leadership paint a more nuanced picture. The official chain of command within the National Guard typically involves requests from local authorities, followed by authorization through the state's adjutant general. There is no public evidence – such as official orders or memos – directly supporting Governor Noem’s claim of a personal order bypassing established protocols.

Key Players and their Accounts: The Adjutant General of South Dakota, along with other relevant officials, have not publicly corroborated the Governor’s account. Their silence, or any statements diverging from Noem’s narrative, are critical pieces of the puzzle. Analyzing their statements (or lack thereof) is crucial for determining the accuracy of the Governor's claim.

Examining the Timeline:

• Initial Requests: Determining who initially requested National Guard support and the specific justifications provided is vital for understanding the decision-making process. Were these requests based on credible threat assessments or were other factors involved?
• Authorization Process: The established protocol for deploying the National Guard usually includes a formal review process to assess the necessity and proportionality of such a deployment. Investigating this process in the context of the 2020 Sioux Falls protests will shed light on the role of various officials.
• Post-Deployment Assessments: Reviews conducted after the deployment, including any reports assessing the effectiveness and necessity of the National Guard’s presence, provide valuable context and potentially contradict or support the Governor's account.

Alternative Explanations: The absence of direct evidence supporting Governor Noem's claim doesn't necessarily mean she played no role. It's possible she played an influential role in the decision-making process, even without issuing a direct order that contradicts established protocol. However, this needs to be supported by evidence. Further investigation might uncover communications or discussions revealing the extent of her involvement.

Conclusion: While Governor Noem maintains she personally ordered the National Guard deployment, the lack of corroborating evidence from official channels raises serious questions. A thorough investigation, including the release of relevant documents and a transparent accounting of the decision-making process, is needed to ascertain the truth. Until then, her claim remains unsubstantiated, necessitating further scrutiny.

Further Research: For additional information, readers can consult official records from the South Dakota National Guard, news archives covering the 2020 Sioux Falls protests, and statements from relevant government officials. Analyzing multiple sources is essential for a complete understanding of this ongoing issue.

Call to Action: Citizens are encouraged to contact their elected officials to express their concerns and demand transparency in this matter. Holding public officials accountable for their actions is critical for maintaining a functioning democracy.