If you head to Washington seeking evidence of the city’s military takeover, you are very likely to come away disappointed. Yes, members of the National Guard are patrolling the National Mall, Union Station and commuter outposts along the city’s Metro system. Flare’s “24/7 protest” command center outside Union Station Credit: Kevin Clarke“So I’ve talked to the [National Guard], and said, ‘Hey, this is what’s gonna happen. And Flare’s more organized effort is not the only protest persisting in Washington despite the federal takeover. “Everything that happens is very last minute, so whatever you guys find out, we’ll find it out.” (National Guard members were issued weapons that day.)