Former Defense Secretary Warns of Potential Violence as National Guard Deployed Amid Protests

The deployment of the National Guard and Marines in response to recent protests across the United States has raised concerns among former officials. Chuck Hagel, who served as Secretary of Defense under President Obama, expressed his apprehension in an interview with CBS Evening News. "The concern that our top leadership will have, if this continues," Hagel stated, "is am I going to get to the point where I may have to refuse a direct order to send in or give troops authority to do whatever." Hagel's comments highlight the potential for a dangerous escalation of the situation, drawing parallels to the Kent State shootings of 1970, where National Guard troops fired upon student protesters, resulting in deaths. The current situation involves protests related to immigration policies and a planned military parade in Washington, D.C., where President Trump has warned protesters will be met with a "very big force."