Washington mayor mulls legal challenge to Trump over security operations in Columbia district

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser on Wednesday said her administration is preparing for a potential legal challenge to President Donald Trump's authority over security operations in the District of Columbia. Trump directed what he characterised as a full-scale federal response on Monday night to quell protests over the death of George Floyd.

That included forces from a variety of federal agencies and the entire 1,700-strong contingent of the DC National Guard. Military helicopters repeatedly buzzed low over protesters, kicking up clouds of debris, and guardsmen armed with long guns were stationed throughout the city. Bowser said she had consulted with Washington Attorney General Karl Racine on the issue, adding that her administration had only requested about 100 unarmed guardsmen.