If any portion of the National Guard, or persons lawfully aiding them in the performance of any duty under the provisions of this chapter, are assaulted, attacked, or are in imminent danger thereof, the commanding officer of such National Guard need not await any orders from any civil magistrate, but may at once proceed to quell such attack, and take all other needful steps for the safety of his command or persons lawfully aiding them in the performance of any duty.