U.S. Airmen and Soldiers with the Alaska National Guard assist local authorities with security near the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, D.C., Jan. 23, 2021. At least 25,000 National Guard men and women have been authorized to conduct security, communication and logistical missions in support of federal and District authorities leading up and through the 59th Presidential Inauguration. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Mike Risinger)

By Gary   Raynaldo    DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

The National Guard will  keep about 5,000 troops present in Washington D.C. through March due to concerns over the potential for unrest. Acting Army Secretary John E. Whitley said in a press briefing Monday that the National Guard will be a force of last resort. “Law enforcement will take the lead and be the force of choice should it be necessary,”  Whitley  said,  referring to keeping the peace and allowing for peaceful protests in Washington, D.C.   Whitley; Army Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, the chief of the National Guard Bureau; and Army Maj. Gen. William J. Walker, the  commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, participated in the  Pentagon news briefing. 

Acting Secretary of the Army John E. Whitley briefs the media at the Pentagon, Jan. 25, 2021. (Photo By: Lisa Ferdinando, DOD)

There were some 25,000 troops deployed to Washington DC for the  inauguration of President Joe Biden after violence earlier this month in which Trump supporters stormed the nation’s capital leaving behind a trail of violence and mayhem.  There are currently about 13,000 National Guard troops in the District of Columbia, primarily conducting security missions in support of district and federal partners. The Guard has been requested to continue supporting federal law enforcement agencies with about 7,000 personnel for the coming weeks.  The Guard has received four requests for follow-on assistance from federal and municipal partners. The requests have come from the U.S. Park Police, U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington D.C.  All four requests have been approved, Whitney said.

“I’d like to thank our National Guard soldiers and airmen for the hard work, swift response and steadfast dedication. They’re committed to ensuring that our capital remains secure. I’m incredibly proud of our airmen and soldiers serving in support of local and federal law enforcement activities. This mission shows the breadth, flexibility and resolve of the National Guard and the sacrifice and service that provides to our nation,” Whitely said.

Army Maj. Gen. William J. Walker, the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, briefs the media at the Pentagon, Jan. 25, 2021. (Photo By: Lisa Ferdinando, DOD)

“Our tasking in support of the 59th Presidential Inauguration was to help provide security, protection of life, preservation of property, and to ensure public safety. We had the cooperation, and the understanding, and the patience of the community around the Capitol.  I’m proud of the role the District of Columbia National Guard played and the role of the entire National Guard… what we fondly call “Guard Nation”, played in supporting the United States Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department, the United States Secret Service, the Park Police, and the others that supported this mission. “

-Army Maj. Gen. William J. Walker, the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard

U.S. Airmen and Soldiers with the Alaska National Guard assist local authorities with security near the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, D.C., Jan. 23, 2021. At least 25,000 National Guard men and women have been authorized to conduct security, communication and logistical missions in support of federal and District authorities leading up and through the 59th Presidential Inauguration. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Mike Risinger)