The 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, based in Knoxville, are being deployed to Washington, D.C. The state received a request to send forces yesterday afternoon.

The 278th is the only armored cavalry regiment in the Army National Guard.

President Donald Trump yesterday called on states to “dominate the streets” in the wake of protests and riots over the weekend and called for the use of military forces. Washington has been one of the cities where large protests have been held and where the demonstrations have at times turned violent.

The exact mission for the 278^th in Washington, D.C. was not released.

The group is expected to be on the ground in Washington D.C. Saturday.