The head of the Pentagon Lloyd Austin extended the stay of the US National Guard fighters on the territory of the Congress to ensure his safety.
Austin approved the Capitol Police request for an extension of National Guard support until May 23, 2021. About 2.3 thousand soldiers of the National Guard will remain on the territory of the Congress. During this extended period, DOD will work with Capitol Police to gradually reduce the presence of the National Guard, if conditions permit, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby.
Many GOP officials have accused Democrats of maintaining “unnecessary precautions against a non-existent threat”. In their opinion, in this way, the Democrats are trying to portray the supporters of the ex-US President Donald Trump as the most cruel and aggressive people.