Capitol Police Request 60-Day Extension of National Guard Protection

Democratic Representative from Michigan, Elissa Slotkin, said a request was made in the past 36 hours to keep the National Guard deployed at the Capitol for at least two more months. The request was made by Capitol Police and is being reviewed by the Pentagon, defense officials told the Associated Press.

The request comes after “intelligence uncovered a ‘possible plot’ by a militia group to storm the building” leaving law enforcement on high alert reports the AP. Reportedly, the alleged plot is tied to “the far-right conspiracy theory promoted by QAnon supporters that former President Donald Trump will rise again to power on March 4, the original presidential inauguration day” according to AP.

Rep. Slotkin said the Guard is searching for volunteers from around the country to fulfill the 60- day extension request. Officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations but confirmed the request is under review and states are assessing the availability of their troops if approval is given. Currently, the over 5,000 Guard members in D.C. are scheduled to leave on March 12, at the scheduled end of their mission.

Safety surrounding the Capitol has been a partisan issue as of late after Trump supporters were able to gain access and storm the Capitol on January 6th. Republican Senator from Oklahoma, Jim Inhofe, said of the request, “it’s outrageous. That’s not what they’re supposed to be, that’s not their mission. We have the Capitol Police, that is their mission.”

Rep. Slotkin said members have expressed concern; “we want to understand what the plan is. None of us like looking at the fencing, the gates, the uniformed presence around the Capitol. We can’t depend on the National Guard for our security.” Slotkin said on her way to her office on Thursday, “I’m not going to let these guys scare me away.”