‘We feel incredibly betrayed’: thousands of guards forced to leave Capitol Hill

POLITICO obtained photos showing the members of the guard crammed together in the parking lot, sleeping on the floor.

All National Guard troops were asked to evacuate the Capitol and nearby Congress buildings on Thursday, and set up mobile command centers outside or in nearby hotels, another guard confirmed. They were told to take their breaks during their 12-hour shifts outside and in parking garages, the person said.

The guards who spoke with POLITICO did not have a clear reason why they had been asked to leave the buildings. The first guard said this may have been due to a complaint that some soldiers were not wearing masks, but denied that was the case.

“We have strict guidelines that masks must be worn at all times unless the soldiers are eating and drinking,” the guard said.

Capitol Police asked the troops to relocate their staging area on Thursday, Guard spokesman Major Matt Murphy said.

“As Congress is in session and foot traffic and business is on the rise, Capitol Police have asked troops to relocate their staging area,” Murphy said. “They were temporarily moved to the garage at the Thurgood Marshall Judicial Center with heating and toilets. We remain an agile and flexible force to ensure the safety and security of the Capitol and its surroundings. “

Guard leaders have not made the decision and “are doing their best to provide resting shelter for the troops who are still on duty 12 hours to protect the Capitol and Congress grounds,” the second guard said. .

“There really may be a big reason for us to leave and it hasn’t been communicated well yet,” said second Guardsman.

Soldiers are particularly concerned about being crammed into tight quarters with limited access to toilets during a pandemic. At least 100 guards have tested positive for Covid, according to two guards. Some are in quarantine in hotels.

A spokesperson previously declined to provide a specific number for soldiers who tested positive for Covid.

After footage went viral last week of troops sleeping on the floor in halls of Congress, guards protecting the Capitol were cradles initially supplied, POLITICO made a first report.