Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he will be extending the National Guard troops stationed at the U.S. Capitol until May 28. The two month extension comes following a request from Capitol Police that a group of National Guard troops remain behind to assist with security concerns. "During this extended period, [Department of Defense] officials will work with the U.S. Capitol Police to incrementally reduce the National Guard footprint as conditions allow," he added. The Pentagon could not confirm if there was any potential for National Guard troops to remain permanently at the U.S. Capitol. SMALL CONTINGENT OF NATIONAL GUARD EXPECTED TO REMAIN AT US CAPITOL INDEFINITELYThe request by Capitol Police for an extended guard presence was met with pushback, as some governors flatly refused to prolong their troops' deployment in Washington, D.C.

Source: Fox News March 09, 2021 21:56 UTC