Pentagon to approve an extension of National Guard deployment at US Capitol

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On Tuesday, US Defense officials said the Pentagon is set to approve an extension of the National Guard deployment at the US Capitol for about 2 more months. They said the final details were being worked out. But, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to give the final approval, and have Guard troops continue to provide security in Washington, D.C., at the request of the Capitol Police, following worries about continued threats. Defense Officials have been scrambling in recent days to determine if and how to fill the request for more than 2,000 Guard forces. Point to be noted that the original deadline for them to leave Washington is 12^th March 2021. The decision underscores concerns regarding the ongoing threat of violence at the Capitol.

The recent move came 2 months after rioters breached the building in violence that left 5 people dead and dozens injured. Law enforcement has remained in a heightened security posture in response to intelligence suggesting possible threats to the US Capitol by militia groups. Last week, the request to extend the deployment met resistance, as some governors expressed reluctance or flatly refused to commit their troops to more time in the city. The officials also said there are now more states showing a willingness to provide Guard troops for the mission. Army leaders had also initially questioned whether the Capitol Police had exhausted all other options to fill the need, such as asking other federal law enforcement agencies to provide security.

The Defense officials said US military leaders thought it was important to find ways to work out the details. On Tuesday, it was still unclear if Guard troops currently in Washington would have to stay an extra day or two while the new forces arrive. It is noteworthy that the threat was tied to the far-right conspiracy theory promoted by QAnon supporters that former President Donald Trump would raise again to power on 4^th March. That day passed with no problems, but law enforcement has said threats to buildings and personnel remain. On Monday, chief Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said that about 50 Guard troops had been treated for gastrointestinal issues. Kirby also said that the chief of the National Guard Bureau, Daniel Hokanson has been visiting the troops several times a week and eating with them to ensure that they were getting good food.