Guard members rotate, downsize in support of D.C. Guard Capitol Response mission extension.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Approximately 2,300 citizen-soldiers and airmen from across the country have rotated into the District of Columbia to provide continued support to U.S. Capitol Police following the events of January 6 and Presidential Inauguration 59.
Guard members from Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin have joined with District of Columbia Guard, as well as Delaware and New Jersey who remain on mission from day one, to provide continued support to the Capitol Response mission.
This new extension authorized by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the request of the U.S. Capitol Police reduces troop numbers to less than half of the 5,200 previously authorized leading up to the end date of March 12. During this extended period, DOD officials will work with the U.S. Capitol Police to incrementally reduce the National Guard footprint as conditions allow.
“We thank the National Guard for its support throughout this mission, as well as for its significant efforts across the nation in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic,” said John Kirby, a spokesman for the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
All 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia have contributed to the Capitol Response mission with as many as 26,000 members on ground in support of Presidential Inauguration 59.