Capitol Police Request a 60-Day Extension For National Guard Troops to Remain at the Capitol

The Capitol Police’s acting chief, Yogananda Pittman, made a formal request that the National Guard continues to support the Capitol beyond the pre-established date of March 12.

The Department takes its mission seriously and will do whatever is necessary to achieve that mission. The USCP is extremely grateful for the Department of Defense and the National Guard support provided since January 6th. We understand the Guard has a tremendous service need back home responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

House Representative Elissa Slotkin wrote on Twitter, “I am hearing from contacts at the National Guard that the U.S. Capitol Police have asked for a 60-day extension of the Guard’s mission in and around the Capitol, and that the Guard is soliciting states to send contributions.”

“But whether an extension has been requested or the mission is indeed terminating on March 12, it’s critical that members of Congress get a briefing on what’s behind these decisions. We all have the same goal: to get back to the point where Capitol Police is capable of protecting us without the Guard’s help, and all parties feel confident we can protect the people’s business,” she added.

Capitol Police announced on Wednesday that it would expand security measures after obtaining intelligence of a “possible plot to breach the Capitol by an identified militia group on Thursday, Match 4.”

Just after reports of a possible 60-day extension on National Guard presence at the Capitol began garnering attention, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the troops will remain at the Capitol Complex for “as long as they are needed.”