At least 5,000 National Guard soldiers will remain in Washington, DC, until mid-March, according to a statement provided to CBS News. Troops from across the country have been in the capital since January 13, a week after insurgents invaded the United States Capitol in a deadly attack.
“As we continue to work to meet the final post-tenure requirements, the National Guard has been asked to continue supporting federal law enforcement agencies with 7,000 members and will decrease to 5,000 by mid-March,” the statement said. “We are providing assistance such as security, communications, medical evacuation, logistics and security support for state and federal agencies”.
At least 25,000 soldiers were sent to stand guard in the Washington, DC area, before President Joe Biden took office, due to an ongoing “very high” threat level after the Capitol siege.
Thousands of soldiers have used the corridors and open spaces of the Capitol building to rest during their shifts. This week, however, some members were asked to leave the Capitol and move to a nearby parking lot to rest. The decision drew condemnation from lawmakers.
The decision was reversed on Thursday night. “Brigadier General Janeen Birckhead, Commander of the Inauguration Task Force, confirms that troops left the garage and returned to the Capitol building as authorized by the USCP (United States Capitol Police) and the troops will take their breaks near the Emancipation Hall going forward, “the Guard said in a statement.
The Guard noted in a statement on Friday that it is working with the Capitol Police to protect the legislative complex. “The USCP and the National Guard have coordinated their efforts to ensure that National Guard men and women are stationed throughout the Capitol Complex in appropriate spaces within Congressional buildings, including the US Capitol, where they can take service breaks.” , the statement said, adding that “troops out of service are being housed in hotel rooms or other comfortable accommodations.”
“The National Guard appreciates the continued support of members of Congress who expressed concern for the men and women of the National Guard. The USCP also appreciates the support of Congress with regard to the well-being of women and men in the Department.”
Four Republican governors are ordering their state troops to leave the city after the parking lot is relocated, reports Politico. “These people are soldiers,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis told Fox News on Friday. “They are not Nancy Pelosi’s servants. This is because they try to investigate the background of our guards. Florida, we did not let them enter into their political beliefs. That was totally inappropriate.”
Two members of the National Guard were removed before the opening ceremonies on possible ties to extremist groups, officials said. The two soldiers made “inappropriate comments or texts” and were sent home “out of caution,” according to National Guard chief Gen. Dan Hokanson. Ten others were also removed from office for reasons unrelated to extremism.
Biden “expressed his appreciation for the incredible support of the 54 states and territories that offered to send guards to the capital in such a short time” during a phone call with General Hokanson on Saturday, according to a statement from the Guard.
“The president expressed his sincere appreciation for the Guard and promised to keep in touch with General Hokanson,” the statement said. “President Biden shared the same message in a call to the Helpers General of the 54 States, Territories and DC. General Hokanson, in turn, thanked the President for his support.”