When martial law is in effect, the military commander of an area or country has unlimited authority to make and enforce laws. Martial law is justified when civilian authority has ceased to function, is completely absent, or has become ineffective.
What if DC is already under martial law? That might make more sense for the fencing around it along with the military presence. Could those bad actors who know be under a gag order? Not too sure that this would fly nationwide.
From ojp.gov:
What if DC is already under martial law? That might make more sense for the fencing around it along with the military presence. Could those bad actors who know be under a gag order? Not too sure that this would fly nationwide.