The President has directed the National Guard to the Capitol Building after it was besieged by supporters of his, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Wednesday.
At President @realDonaldTrump’s direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.
We reiterate President Trump’s call against violence and to remain peaceful.
— Kayleigh McEnany (@PressSec) January 6, 2021
Acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller confirmed the move in a statement later on Wednesday.
Notably, Miller said he spoke about the move with top political leaders but not President Trump.
In the statement, Miller said that he and Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had spoken with Vice President Mike Pence, Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
Miller added that the full DC National Guard would be activated, and that the military was ready to provide additional resources as requested.
“Our people are sworn to defend the constitution and our democratic form of government and they will act accordingly,” Miller said.
Acting SECDEF Chris Miller on activation of the D.C. National Guard:
"Our people are sworn to defend the constitution and our democratic form of government and they will act accordingly." pic.twitter.com/OR6vCBtOQC
— Andrew deGrandpre (@adegrandpre) January 6, 2021
The move came after conflicting reports over whether the Defense Department would allow the D.C. National Guard to be activated to respond to the breach of the legislature, and after Virginia committed its own National Guard troops to DC.
Because the District of Columbia is not a state, it needs federal approval for a National Guard deployment.
“Federal Protective Service and Secret Service have been requested to provide assistance to Capitol Hill Police. They are fulfilling that request,” a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security told TPM. The Federal Protective Service, which is housed within DHS, is charged with securing federal buildings.
Violence in any form is unacceptable. NO one has the right to attack ANY federal institution regardless of motivation. Violent opportunists at the US Capitol grounds must be held accountable. We have a proud history of resolving our differences through peaceful means.
— Acting Secretary Chad Wolf (@DHS_Wolf) January 6, 2021
Amid the confusion, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) sent National Guard forces and state police to the nation’s capital.
My team and I are working closely with @MayorBowser, @SpeakerPelosi, and @SenSchumer to respond to the situation in Washington, D.C.
Per the Mayor's request, I am sending members of the Virginia National Guard along with 200 Virginia State Troopers.
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) January 6, 2021
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) said on Twitter that he had ordered state troopers to help D.C. and Capitol police put down the mob, and had also requested the Maryland National Guard to “call up a rapid response force.”
At my direction, the @MDSP is sending in troopers to assist the Metropolitan Police Department and the United States Capitol Police. I have instructed the Adjutant General of the @MDNG to call up a rapid response force to support law enforcement and restore order.
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) January 6, 2021
The decision to send in National Guard troops comes after confusion over whether the Trump administration had acceded to requests from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and congressional leadership to do just that. The Washington Post had earlier reported that the request was denied, as the mob broke windows and breached offices in the Capitol building.
That apparent initial denial was condemned by the D.C. city council in a statement.
The chaos in D.C. occurred just minutes after Trump urged his supporters to march to the national legislature and pressure lawmakers to disregard the results of the 2020 election. He’s sought to pressure Republicans and Vice President Mike Pence to throw out the results in an attempt to steal a second term.
Trump has not spoken publicly since the mob attack on the Capitol began, despite requests from senior Republicans including House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) to do so. Instead, Trump has tweeted.
Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
