The Pentagon has approved a request to continue National Guard support at the U.S. Capitol through May 23, 2021. About 2,300 troops will remain at the Capitol, which is about half the number currently deployed, the Department of Defense said Tuesday evening.
The National Guard personnel were expected to leave the Capitol on March 12 after remaining there since the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection attempt. But U.S. Capitol Police last week requested a 60-day extension following intelligence that showed a possible security threat from an identified militia group.
That threat led the House of Representatives to cancel its March 4 session, though no attack occurred.
The U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement it is “extremely grateful” for the Defense Department’s partnership in protecting Congress.
The National Guard has been sharply criticized for its handling of the Jan. 6 riots and, in particular, a delayed response that left troops standing by for hours before being authorized to intervene.
The D.C. National Guard’s commanding general testified last week that the Department of Defense took more than three hours to approve a “frantic request” for support from USCP.
Source: National Guard Will Extend Deployment At U.S. Capitol : NPR
