Pentagon refines DC National Guard approval authority after Capitol riot

he remains of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick lay in honor in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol building after he died on Jan. 7 from injuries he sustained while protecting the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 attack on the building, in Washington, DC, U.S. February 2, 2021. Brendan Smialowski/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

WASHINGTON, Dec 30 (Reuters) – The Pentagon on Thursday said the defense secretary would be the individual solely responsible for approving requests that would involve District of Columbia National Guard troops in civilian law enforcement activities.

The move came as a result of a months-long Pentagon review of how the military generally handles requests for the National Guard within Washington, D.C.

“The Secretary of Defense is now the single approval authority for all requests that would involve District of Columbia National Guard personnel participating directly in civilian law enforcement activities or that require the deployment of DCNG (D.C. National Guard) personnel within 48 hours after receipt of the request,” a Pentagon statement said.

Navy Vet

Article URL : https://www.reuters.com/world/us/pentagon-refines-dc-national-guard-approval-authority-after-capitol-riot-2021-12-30/