White House, Virginia governor say National Guard going to Capitol
1,100 DC National Guard members and 200 Virginia state troopers are being mobilized
The White House says National Guard troops along with other federal protective services are en route to the Capitol to help end an violent occupation by President Donald Trump’s supporters who are seeking to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election.
Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted that “At President @realDonaldTrump’s direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.”
Read More: Chaos ensues as Trump supporters storm Capitol, thwart Biden confirmation
She added, “We reiterate President Trump’s call against violence and to remain peaceful.”
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam also tweeted that he will be sending both the National Guard and 200 state troopers into the capital at the request of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
“My team and I are working closely with @MayorBowser, @SpeakerPelosi, and @SenSchumer to respond to the situation in Washington, D.C.,” he wrote on the social media platform. Per the Mayor’s request, I am sending members of the Virginia National Guard along with 200 Virginia State Troopers.”
Republican lawmakers have publicly called for Trump to more vocally condemn the violence and to call to an end to the occupation, which halted a joint session of Congress where lawmakers were beginning to count electoral votes.
Read More: Pence defies Trump in letter, says he can’t reject electoral votes
Trump lost the November election to Democrat Joe Biden. He has refused to concede and has worked over the last two months to convince his supporters that widespread voter fraud prevented his own victory.
Have you subscribed to theGrio’s new podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!
TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today!
More About:News
You Might Like
