RICHMOND, Va. -- Officials said 1,000 members of the Virginia National Guard who were deployed to Washington after a mob of pro-Trump loyalists stormed the U.S. Capitol, leaving five people dead and briefly delaying the Electoral College tally, will remain in the capital city for "enduring support to local and federal authorities."
“Virginia National Guard personnel are remaining on duty following the presidential inauguration at the request of local and federal authorities, and they will remain on duty until those agencies no longer require our direct support,” Adjutant General of Virginia Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams said.
The Virginia National Guard members are among the more than 7,000 National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from dozens of states who will remain in Washington, D.C.
The troops will work security-related missions like crowd and traffic control as well as assisting with entry and exit points, according to officials.
"The personnel not remaining on duty have begun the process to end their duty orders and return home over the coming days," officials said. "An exact schedule for their return home has not been finalized."
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam deployed 200 state troopers and members of the Virginia National Guard to the U.S. Capitol the Wednesday afternoon of the attack following a request the mayor of Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser.
"We are incredibly proud of the professionalism and dedicated service they have demonstrated throughout this mission, and they will continue to play an important role in helping keep their fellow citizens safe,” Williams said.
Additionally, officials noted that guard members continue aiding the Virginia Department of Health in the COVID-19 crisis via testing and the administering of vaccines.
