Thousands of National Guard troops will remain in Washington until mid-March

At least 5,000 National Guard troops will remain in Washington, DC, until mid-March, according to a statement provided to CBS News. Troops from across the country have been staying in the capital since January 13, a week after insurgents invaded the U.S. Capitol in a deadly attack.

“As we continue to work to meet the final requirements after the inauguration, the National Guard has been urged to continue supporting federal law enforcement agencies with 7,000 members and will reduce to 5,000 until the mid-March, “the statement read. “We provide assistance such as security, communications, medical evacuation, logistics and security support to federal and regional agencies.”

At least 25,000 troops were sent to stand guard in the Washington, DC area prior to President Joe Biden’s inauguration due to a “very high” threat level that continued after the siege on Capitol Hill.

Thousands of soldiers used the hallways 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 overturned Thursday evening. “Brigadier General Janeen Birckhead, Inauguration Task Force Commander, confirms that the troops have exited the garage and returned to the Capitol building, as authorized by the USCP (Capitol Police) Guard Commander of the United States) and that the troops will take their break near Emancipation Hall, ”the guard said in a statement.

The guard noted in a statement Friday that they were working with Capitol Police to protect the legislative complex. “The USCP and the National Guard have coordinated their efforts to ensure that National Guardsmen and women are stationed throughout the Capitol complex in appropriate spaces in buildings of Congress, including the United States Capitol, where they can take breaks, “the statement said. , adding that “the troops at rest are accommodated in hotel rooms or other comfortable accommodation”.

“The National Guard appreciates the continued support of members of Congress who have expressed concern for our men and women in the National Guard. The USCP is also grateful for the support of Congress regarding the welfare of the women and men of the Department. . “

Four Republican governors are ordering their state’s troops to leave town after the parking lot moves, Politico reports. “These people are soldiers,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis told Fox News on Friday. “These are not Nancy Pelosi’s minions. It comes from behind them trying to investigate the backgrounds of our guards. Florida, we didn’t let them get into their political beliefs. It was totally inappropriate. . “

Two members of the National Guard were removed ahead of the inauguration ceremonies on possible links 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 General Dan Hokanson. Ten others were also removed from their posts for reasons unrelated to extremism.

Mr. Biden “expressed his appreciation for the incredible support of the 54 states and territories that have volunteered to send guards to the capital on such short notice” during a phone call with General Hokanson on Saturday, according to a statement. of the Guard.

“The president expressed his deep gratitude for the Guard and pledged to stay in touch with General Hokanson,” the statement read. “President Biden shared the same message during an appeal to adjutants general of the 54 states, territories and DCs. General Hokanson in turn thanked the president for his support.”