The National Guard soldier who was found dead while off duty in Washington, DC earlier this week was identified as Specialist Justin Grennell.
Grennell, 26, of Marcellus, New York, was found unanswered in his hotel room in Washington, DC Thursday by his roommate who tried to revive him before calling 911, a local Syracuse news agency reported. .
NATIONAL GUARD MEMBER PARKED IN DC DIES AFTER MEDICAL EMERGENCY
The Metropolitan Police is still investigating the death, but there is no suspicion of a crime, a New York National Guard spokesman said.
“The District of Columbia Joint Task Force is sad to confirm the death of a National Guard member serving on the United States Capitol security mission due to an apparent medical emergency. The individual was not on duty at the time and the incident is under investigation “. the National Guard said in a statement.
Grennell was part of the massive security effort designated as the United States Capitol after the January 6 attack.
PENTAGON CONSIDERS INVOLUNTARY ACTIVATION OF NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS FOR US CAPITOL SECURITY
Earlier this week, the Pentagon ordered 2,000 soldiers to remain on the Capitol until May for additional security purposes, at the request of the Capitol Police.
“This decision was made after a thorough analysis of the request and after a careful analysis of its potential impact on readiness,” said Pentagon press secretary John Kirby after the announcement.
The troops are expected to remain until May 23.
Some lawmakers were frustrated by the Pentagon’s announcement after reports of guards who fell ill and suffered poor conditions during its deployment.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION
“They proudly answered the call, they served our country,” wrote Representative Jack Bergman, R-Mich., In a letter last week to the head of the National Guard Office, after reports from 50 military personnel with gastrointestinal problems due to Food problems.
“Our troops do not require a five-star resort or expensive food, but at the very least, they deserve meals that are safe for consumption,” he continued, adding, “It is time to take our troops to their families.”