Defense secretary extends National Guard mission at US Capitol through

The defense secretary has extended the National Guard's security mission at the U.S. Capitol through May 23.

Now, 2,300 Guardsmen will continue to work with the Capitol Police and during this extended period will work to reduce the National Guard  สล็อตxo   footprint at the Capitol, according to a statement from the Department of Defense. This represents a reduction of nearly 50% of the current support force.

Capitol Police requested a 60-day extension last week, as the Capitol was on high alert after threats of another possible attack plot tied to March 4.

There are currently more than 5,000 National Guard members still in the city from a peak of 25,000 present for security at the Jan. 20 inauguration.

"We thank the National Guard for its support throughout this mission, as well as for its significant efforts across the nation in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic," the statement from Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said.

The need for the National Guard presence - armed behind high fences topped with razor wire - has become a focus of debate over how much security is needed around the Capitol going forward.