Due in part to the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, thousands of National Guardsmen, including dozens from Minnesota, descended on Washington, D.C. in the past two weeks. This show of force made sure Wednesday’s presidential inauguration safely transpired without any similar scenes.
Unfortunately by Thursday night, the New York Times reported many — especially from Alabama, Maryland, Tennessee and Virginia — were sleeping in an unheated garage at the Thurgood Marshall Judicial Center.
This prompted an uproar among lawmakers from both sides, including Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard, and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a wounded U.S Army veteran.
Two soldiers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said they had been given no explanation as to why they were relocated, claimed they were without electrical power, internet reception and heat, and estimated 1,000 soldiers had to share a single portable restroom stationed outside of the parking garage.
Reports came just before midnight that National Guardsmen were allowed back into the Capitol Complex.
First lady Jill Biden brought cookies to Guard troops outside the Capitol Friday. Reports are former President Donald Trump offered rooms at the nearby Trump International Hotel.
A.J. Kaufman
A.J. Kaufman is an Alpha News columnist. His work has appeared in the Baltimore Sun, Florida Sun-Sentinel, Indianapolis Star, Israel National News, Orange County Register, St. Cloud Times, Star-Tribune, and across AIM Media Midwest and the Internet. Kaufman previously worked as a school teacher and military historian.
