Multiple media outlets are reporting that the U.S. Capitol Police will request National Guard troops stay in D.C. for two more months:
Fox confirms USCP will request National Guard stay at the Capitol for an additional two months, but at a reduced level of troops. Request not approved yet
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) March 4, 2021
Troops were set to go home on March 12:
Defense officials say the Pentagon is reviewing the proposal to extend the National Guard's mission at the U.S. Capitol by 60 days. The more than 5,000 Guard members currently in Washington, D.C., are currently slated to go home on March 12. https://t.co/7c0ZwFwFba
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 4, 2021
Get ready for the permanent occupation of D.C.?
Recommended
Unless someone puts their foot down this will be permanent. https://t.co/BB5hatIlaX
— Noam Blum (@neontaster) March 4, 2021
When asked about it a few moments ago, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said she’s not involved in the decision but “we should have them here as long as they are needed”:
Pelosi: The issue about the National Guard is one that will be made by the Capitol Police and the police board and the rest. But I'm not in a position to respond to that. But We should have them here as long as they are needed.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) March 4, 2021
And it appears members of Congress learned about the request from the media, which is never good:
Seems like @RepSlotkin learned about this US Capitol Police request to extend the National Guard mission around the Capitol via press reports. pic.twitter.com/IDZDCzRgAr
— Zachary Cohen (@ZcohenCNN) March 4, 2021
Beware of the shifting goalposts:
I warned in January during inauguration week that the goalposts would continually be moved to justify a semi-permanent military presence in DC and fencing around the Capitol.
So far, I'm not wrong. https://t.co/GTTeCHrokp
— Anthony L. Fisher (@anthonyLfisher) March 4, 2021
Full article here:
BREAKING: Capitol Police ask that the National Guard remain at the U.S. Capitol for two more months, reflecting continued security concerns. https://t.co/SdYJE6W5gh
— The Associated Press (@AP) March 4, 2021
***