SC National Guard troops heading to DC while Capitol security increases

WASHINGTON (WRDW / WAGT) – Thousands of National Guard troops now surround the US Capitol and other parts of DC – most of them armed.

And even more troops will arrive in the next few days before President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Tuesday.

The Capitol has been on high alert since last Wednesday, when thousands of protesters forced their way into the building.

South Carolina National Guard members are heading to DC to assist with the inauguration.

Authorities say it is still unclear what exactly they will do, but in the past they monitored traffic and security checkpoints.

The Guard did not say how many soldiers are being deployed or when they will leave.

One thing they will not do is impose a national block or quarantine – this is just a rumor on the Internet.

The Guard turned to social media to stop the rumor.

Guard leaders said the rumors were not true and could create confusion and anxiety in the organization and communities.

They said that if people hear or see something that doesn’t seem to be true, don’t continue to spread the information.

Instead, check with official sources like the National Guard Bureau, the National Guard of South Carolina and the state of South Carolina.

A South Carolina man whose social media accounts have been suspended is organizing a demonstration for free speech this weekend. Shawn Laurie of Florence plans to lead a caravan of supporters to the South Carolina state capital in Columbia for the Drive for America rally. He says it’s about fighting for the constitution. The nine-year veteran of the Army National Guard believes that social media companies are trying to silence conservative opinions.
South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace is co-sponsoring a bill to honor Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman. The officer drew protesters away from the Senate chambers during last week’s Capitol riot. If approved, the bipartisan project will award Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal. Mace says his actions saved lives and defended democracy.