Virginia National Guard to remain at Capitol until Biden’s inauguration

Virginia National Guard to remain at Capitol until Biden’s inauguration
Virginia Air National Guard Master Sgt. Alfred Hill, 192nd Security Forces Squadron, 192nd Wing stands guard at his post Jan. 9, 2021, in Washington, D.C. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from several states have traveled to the National Capital Region to provide support to federal and district authorities leading up to the 59th Presidential Inauguration. (Source: Tech. Sgt. Lucretia Cunningham)
By Hannah Eason | January 9, 2021 at 7:42 PM EST - Updated January 9 at 7:42 PM

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WWBT) - The Virginia National Guard announced on Saturday that it will remain in Washington until the Presidential Inauguration.

As of Jan. 9, VNG has approximately 1,000 personnel near the U.S. Capitol and expects to send about 1,000 additional soldiers and airmen.

Virginia’s National Guard will join troops from neighboring states, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Deleware and New York. The forces are expected to bring 6,200 total personnel by the end of the weekend.

A release from VNG stated the soldiers will assist in protecting property and providing a safe environment for citizens to exercise their right to peacefully assemble and protest.

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam authorized the VNG support after the mayor of Washington, D.C., the Department of Defense and National Guard Bureau officials asked several states to identify units that could assist with law enforcement in D.C.

The first round of personnel arrived on Wednesday, and additional troops will arrive throughout the weekend. The Presidential Inauguration is slated for Jan. 20.

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