BREAKING: The entire D.C. National Guard will be activated today, putting about 1,100 guardsmen on duty tonight, defense official tells me. Comes after breach of Capitol by pro-Trump protesters.
Same defense official confirms Mayor Bowser made request for National Guard at Capitol as it was breached. Defense officials initially offered to replace police in other capacities in the city, allowing more police at Capitol specifically, source says.
https://twitter.com/byaaroncdavis/status/1346908166030766080
Defense official denies that DOD denied the request from D.C. officials for more support at Capitol, but acknowledges it has not yet been acted upon.
Some 340 D.C. guardsmen already were activated in anticipation of unrest, with a support role for police. Half on duty at a time. Defense officials, smarting from outcry to military's heavy involvement in June protests, sought limited role and to shield military from politics.
Have written a lot this year about how the military has sought to limit role in these situations after Lafayette Square, fearing they will look like a political club for Trump. This, obviously, has a different flavor.
Good context here:
washingtonpost.com/national-secur…
Good context here:
washingtonpost.com/national-secur…
To questions about why it will take hours to get all D.C. guardsmen into the city: Remember, most have day jobs. Some live hours away in Virginia, Maryland and beyond. Am told they have four hours to respond.
More: The Virginia governor also is sending National Guard support to D.C., he says.
https://twitter.com/GovernorVA/status/1346916716614451207
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