‘Unusual’ Restrictions Placed on National Guard Before Capitol Riot, General Says

Hourslong delay by Pentagon was in stark contrast to response to summer unrest, Maj. Gen. William Walker testifies

by Associated Press
Market Watch

WASHINGTON — Defense Department leaders placed unusual restrictions on the National Guard for the day of the Capitol riot and delayed sending help for hours despite an urgent plea from police for reinforcement, according to testimony Wednesday that added to the finger-pointing about the government response.

Maj. Gen. William Walker, commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, told senators that the then-chief of the Capitol Police requested military support in a “voice cracking with emotion” in a 1:49 p.m. call as rioters began pushing toward the Capitol. Walker said he immediately relayed the request to the Army but did not learn until after 5 p.m. that the Defense Department had approved it.

Guard troops who had been waiting on buses were then rushed to the Capitol, arriving in 18 minutes, Walker said.

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