National Guard troops who have been protecting the U.S. Capitol after the Jan. 6 attack that left people dead began leaving Washington on Monday (May 24).
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin thanked the Army and Air National Guardsmen who helped Capitol police and local authorities maintain security after the violence.
“These Air Force and Army soldiers protected not only the grounds, but also the members of Congress who work on those grounds, ensuring that the people’s business can continue as it always has. They have carried out their oath to support and defend the Constitution in a very visible way,” Austin said Monday.
Defense Department Press Secretary John Kirby told reporters at the Pentagon that about 1,000 troops will be leaving in the next few days.
Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honore told CBS’ John Dickerson on “Face the Nation” that Sunday was the last day of the protection mission. Onone launched a security review after the Jan. 6 riots.
Onone had recommended maintaining a quick-reaction force to assist in possible future attacks, but Kirby said Monday that the Pentagon has no plans to maintain such a force.
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