National Guard Capitol
Hundreds of armed Guardsman arrived for duty at the Capitol.
AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
  • Several Republican governors said they’re ordering their National Guard members to return home from DC, amid reports that the Guardsmen have endured poor conditions.
  • The governors of Florida, Montana, New Hampshire, and Texas have recently complained about the way the troops were treated.
  • Over 20,000 Guardsmen were sent to Washington, DC, following the US Capitol insurrection on January 6 and ahead of President Joe Biden’s inauguration. 
  • Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.

Several Republican governors are recalling their National Guard troops from Washington, DC, in the wake of reports they were subjected to subpar conditions and poor treatment.

On Thursday and Friday, Govs. Ron DeSantis of Florida, Greg Gianforte of Montana, Chris Sununu of New Hampshire, and Greg Abbott of Texas all announced they were ordering their troops home.

Some 20,000 Guardsman arrived in DC to help with security for President Joe Biden’s inauguration just two weeks after Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol and killed a police officer.

 

The orders came after photos showed thousands of troops sleeping in a parking garage on Thursday after being told to leave the Capitol. The images sparked outrage from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, who demanded an investigation.

The Guardsmen were also previously photographed sleeping on the floor of the Capitol in the days leading up to the inauguration. 

Politico quoted one member saying morale among the troops was low because of the long hours and rough conditions.

"The treatment we've received lately and the Covid symptoms we face are taking their toll. Especially as it becomes clear to us that we are no longer wanted," the person told Politico. "It's shameful."

Some of the Republican governors were also incensed that the troops underwent background checks ahead of the inauguration due to fears of an inside attack. In total, 12 members were removed from the mission. Abbott slammed the measures as a "political correctness test."

 

As Business Insider reported, Biden apologized to the National Guard chief for the incident, and First Lady Jill Biden paid them a visit with chocolate chip cookies. BBC News reported that the troops were eventually allowed to return to the Capitol building on Thursday. 

According to the BBC, only an estimated 7,000 National guard members are set to remain in DC, possibly until March 12.

Read more:

The National Guard is reportedly planning to ask troops to remain deployed at the Capitol until mid-March

Hundreds of National Guard troops deployed to defend the Capitol have reportedly tested positive for COVID or are in quarantine

Biden apologizes to National Guard chief after 5,000 soldiers had to reportedly sleep in a DC parking garage with only one bathroom

 

Read the original article on Insider