The Pentagon Press Briefing Room seal, Washington, D.C. (DoDo photo by Lisa Ferdinando)
By Gary Raynaldo DIPLOMATIC TIMES
WASHINGTON – PENTAGON – The Pentagon is reviewing a Capitol Police request to keep some 2,200 National Guardsmen deployed at the U.S. Capitol another 60 days. The request was made amid security concerns of further violence following January’s deadly insurrection at the iconic building. Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby confirmed Friday that the Department of Defense received the request Thursday night. About 5,000 National Guard members remain in D.C., down from the approximately 25,000 that were brought in for President Biden’s inauguration. Capital Police are also asking for nearly $620 million in total spending, an increase of almost 21 percent over current levels to pay for new equipment, training and an additional 212 officers.
“We are in receipt of a formal request from the Capital Police for continued National Guard assistance at the Capital complex. This request seeks an extension for a number of guardsman over the next couple of months. We are evaluating the request right now as we do with all others with an eye toward properly balancing the need with the resources available.”
-Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby.
(credit: Gary Raynaldo / ©Diplomatic Times ) Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby briefs reporters at the Pentagon, Washington D.C. March 5, 2021
The U.S. Capital remains on high alert patrolled by thousands of National Guard troops and police with sharp razor wire on a perimeter fence surrounding the entire building to deter any more potential violence following the infamous Trump-inspired riot. The U.S. Capital Police is reportedly in possession of intelligence of a potential plot by a militia group to storm the historical building again. Two months ago, Trump loyalists breached the iconic building on the Hill in an act of unprecedented violence many dubbed as domestic terrorism.
DIPLOMATIC TIMES Video Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby briefs reporters Mar. 5, 2021 at Pentagon , Washington D.C.
(credit: Gary Raynaldo ©Diplomatic Times) National Guard troops on duty in front of U.S. Capital building fortified with barricaded fencing and razor wire in Washington D.C. March 4, 2021
