The Pentagon has approved the continued deployment of the National Guard at the U.S. Capitol through at least May 23.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved a request by the U.S. Capitol Police, according to a statement on Tuesday night by John Kirby, a Defense Department spokesman. About 5,000 National Guard troops remain on duty in Washington. The deployment, which began after the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol, was set to end by Friday. But last week, acting Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman asked for an extension, without giving a specific timeframe
“Nearly 2,300 National Guard personnel will continue the support mission,” Kirby said in the statement. “This represents a reduction of nearly 50% of the current support force. This decision was made after a thorough review of the request and after close consideration of its potential impact on readiness.”
Kirby said in the statement that “during this extended period” Pentagon officials and the Capitol Police will discuss ways to “incrementally reduce the National Guard footprint as conditions allow.”
The Capitol Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday night.