Reading Room Document

Statutory authority to use federal troops to assist in the protection of the President

The document discusses the statutory authority for using federal troops to assist in protecting the President during planned demonstrations. It concludes that Public Law 90-331 authorizes the use of armed forces if requested by the Director of the Secret Service. The document also presents a review of the legislative history of the law and its relationship to the Posse Comitatus Act. It raises questions about the scope of the Secret Service's authority in carrying out protective functions and the reasonableness of positioning troops in the vicinity of the White House during demonstrations.

November 12, 1969