Calls increase for them to go home.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited troops from the National Guard who are protecting the Capitol. He spoke to them from the building’s east front, telling them he is “absolutely grateful” for their work in patrolling Washington.
“I want to check and see if you’re getting everything you need,” he said.
The troops commander replied, “We are, sir. The entire Army is behind us.”
Secretary Austin told the group, “Your country’s grateful,” adding the lawmakers inside the Capitol “are really, really grateful.” He added, “The Department of Defense is behind you. We’re taking care of our troops. I really care about that.”
In the meantime, some state governors and some Washington lawmakers are calling for the troops to be sent home. Some members of the Guard have contracted COVID. Washington National Guard Adjutant General Army Major General Bret Daugherty said some of his members have become ill. It was an unfortunate consequence that he called “inevitable.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the members of the National Guard who are standing watch in Washington at the Capitol building.
- For the health of the guard members who have caught the COVID virus, and that the infection would be prevented from spreading.
- For U.S. officials considering the request by Capitol Police for permanent fencing around the Capitol.
Sources: Washington Examiner, New York Times
