Trump declared a state of emergency to address what he describes as “out of control” violent crime in Washington D.C. He issued an executive order to put local police under federal control and directed the deployment of the National Guard.

The demonstration took place at a square in central Washington on Saturday.

Protesters held up placards, with some reading “No military occupation.” They marched toward the White House, chanting “Free D.C.”

Some demonstrators made a direct protest when they found National Guard personnel. But there were no major disruptions.

A participant said the Trump administration is taking away people’s rights little by little and breaking down the democratic system. She also said she is very concerned that a martial law situation was created under the auspices of crime, and added that if the deployment is allowed in Washington, it could happen in other places as well.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser countered Trump’s claim, saying violent crime in the city has fallen to its lowest level in 30 years.