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National Guard called out to US Capitol amid clashes

Published:Wednesday | January 6, 2021 | 4:13 PM
Police stand guard after holding off Trump supporters who tried to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says about 1,100 D.C. National Guard members are being mobilised to help support law enforcement as violent supporters of President Donald Trump breached the US Capitol.

Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said Wednesday afternoon that defence leaders have been in contact with the city and congressional leadership.

A defence official said all 1,100 of the D.C. Guard were being activated and sent to the city’s armoury.

The Guard forces will be used at checkpoints and for other similar duties and could also help in the enforcement of the 6:00 p.m. curfew being implemented tonight in the city.

The officials said the D.C. request for National Guard was not rejected earlier in the day.

Instead, according to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting the military in a law enforcement role at the Capitol.

As a result, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.

Hoffman said the law enforcement response to the violence will be led by the Justice Department.

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