Members of the National Guard examine a terrain model of Capitol Hill Thursday. The US Capitol Police asked the guardsmen to stay for another two months after further threats of violence surfaced. Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images Hide caption
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Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images
Members of the National Guard examine a terrain model of Capitol Hill Thursday. The US Capitol Police asked the guardsmen to stay for another two months after further threats of violence surfaced.
Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images
The US Capitol Police requested an extension of 60 days for part of the National Guard forces currently in Washington, DC on Thursday possible attack of militia groups looming over the city.
Acting Police Chief Yogananda Pittman asked the Department of Defense to continue to provide assistance to the Capitol, where 5,200 guardsmen are currently stationed. The troops remained in the Capitol for the weeks following the January 6 insurrection attempt.
You should leave town on March 12th Statement by the Capitol Police said, but are needed in the light of current intelligence. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and US Army officials would have to agree.
“We have received information that shows that an identified militia group may break through the Capitol on Thursday,” said a March 3 Statement read. “We have already made significant security improvements to build a physical structure and employ more manpower to protect Congress, the public and our law enforcement officers.”
The House of Representatives canceled its session Thursday after authorities learned of the threat. However, the Senate met to discuss a COVID-19 relief bill. NPR reports.
Far right conspiracy theorists believed former President Donald Trump would return to power Thursday, as presidents were inaugurated on March 4 through 1933.
“The USCP is extremely grateful for the Department of Defense and the support of the National Guard,” said a Capitol Police statement. “We know the guard at home has a tremendous need for service in responding to the COVID-10 pandemic.”
Five people were killed in the riot in the Capitol, including the Capitol police officer Brian Sicknickwho died the following day from injuries sustained on duty. More than 250 people have been charged since authorities secured the Capitol, including 20 members of the far-right group the proud boys.
