Former Army secretary says DC National Guard had no plan ahead of Capitol riot beyond local traffic control
Former Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told a House panel on Tuesday that the National Guard only planned to deal with traffic in Washington, DC, the day the deadly US Capitol insurrection occurred, with “no contingency” in place if things escalated in the city, according to a copy of his prepared testimony obtained by CNN.
But McCarthy also told Congress that alternate plans would only have happened if the US Capitol Police or local authorities in Washington requested it.
“114 citizen soldiers … were spread out over 20 city blocks … with no contingency or recall plan for a change of mission in place,” his statement reads.
Signers of the letter included Rep. Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota, Rep. Gregory F. Murphy of North Carolina and Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York.
“The Guard has endured unprecedented stress on the force in the past year, given COVID-19, social unrest, natural disasters and ongoing overseas requirements,” the letter stated. “The National Guard should be used as an option of absolute last resort.”
More than 20,000 National Guard troops were sent to Washington, D.C. to secure the inauguration of President Joe Biden in the aftermath of the storming of the Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump.
“We are seeking clarification and justification on behalf of the National Guard men and women that have kept us safe over the past month and year,” the letter stated.
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The National Guard will remain in Washington, D.C., through the end of March over concerns of potential civil unrest, a spokesman confirmed for Fox News Tuesday.
Security officials remain concerned that protests surrounding the Senate impeachment trial of Donald Trump, set to begin the week of Feb. 8, could mean trouble following the attack on the U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump supporters earlier this month.
Recent chatter surrounding protests on the historic Inauguration Day formerly held on March 4, before being changed to Jan. 20 in 1937 have security officials worried.
Military officials say National Guard will stay in D.C. in case any issues arise from upcoming events By Eleanor Watson National Guard troops staying in D.C.
Army and National Guard officials said Monday that 5,000 National Guard troops will stay in Washington, D.C. until mid-March in response to requests and information from other agencies, including the FBI.
More than 25,000 troops were sent to the nation s capital January 13 to provide security for President Biden s inauguration after a violent mob rioted at the Capitol while Congress was counting Electoral College votes on January 6.
Of the more than 25,000 members of the National Guard that traveled to DC to support the safety of the inauguration, about 5,000 are staying until mid-March
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