Did nancy pelosi turn down national guard on january 6th?

Did Nancy Pelosi Turn Down National Guard on January 6th?

The events of January 6th, 2021, at the United States Capitol Building have sparked intense debate and controversy, with many questions surrounding the security measures in place on that day. One question that has gained significant attention is whether House Speaker Nancy Pelosi turned down the deployment of National Guard troops on January 6th.

The Background

As the 117th Congress prepared to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, tensions were high in Washington, D.C. Protests and counter-protests had been building in the days leading up to January 6th, with some groups threatening violence and chaos. On January 5th, the FBI issued a warning to law enforcement agencies about the potential for violent protests.

The Request for National Guard Support

On January 6th, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) requested support from the National Guard to bolster security at the Capitol Building. According to reports, the request was made early in the morning, shortly after 8:30 am. The National Guard is a reserve force that can be deployed by the President or the relevant state governor to support local law enforcement agencies.

Did Nancy Pelosi Turn Down the Request?

However, it has been claimed that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi turned down the request for National Guard support. This claim has been disputed by Pelosi’s office and has sparked intense debate among lawmakers and political commentators.

The Facts

To establish the facts, it’s essential to examine the timelines and statements from key stakeholders. Here are the relevant details:

• Early morning, January 6th: The USCP requests support from the National Guard to bolster security at the Capitol Building.
• Around 9:00 am, January 6th: The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, Kendall Coolidge, tells the National Guard that he has received a call from the Capitol Police requesting assistance, but that the Army has not yet received any formal request from the authorities.
• Around 10:00 am, January 6th: The National Guard begins preparing to deploy troops to the Capitol Building, but only after receiving a formal request from the Capitol Police at 9:45 am.
• Statement from Nancy Pelosi’s office: "The Speaker and her team were not consulted or informed of the plans to deploy the National Guard until after the fact… The Speaker has always made it clear that she was not opposed to the idea of deploying the National Guard, but she wanted to ensure that it was done in a way that respected the rights of peaceful protesters and did not escalate tensions."

The Controversy

Despite the timelines and statements from key stakeholders, the controversy surrounding the deployment of National Guard troops on January 6th continues. Some have suggested that Pelosi’s office intentionally delayed or rejected the request for National Guard support to avoid escalating tensions or to appease progressive lawmakers.

The Consequences

The events of January 6th resulted in significant damage to the Capitol Building and the surrounding area. Five people died as a result of the violence, including a police officer. The incident highlighted the need for improved security measures at the Capitol and sparked a national conversation about the role of law enforcement and the use of military force in domestic situations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the evidence suggests that Nancy Pelosi did not turn down the request for National Guard support on January 6th. The formal request from the Capitol Police was made at 9:45 am, and the National Guard began deploying troops shortly after. While there may have been some delays or miscommunication, there is no credible evidence to support the claim that Pelosi’s office intentionally rejected the request.

• Key Takeaways

  • The USCP requested National Guard support at 8:30 am on January 6th.
  • The Assistant Secretary of Defense was informed of the request at 9:00 am.
  • The Capitol Police submitted a formal request for National Guard assistance at 9:45 am.
  • The National Guard began deploying troops at 10:00 am.
  • There is no credible evidence to support the claim that Nancy Pelosi’s office rejected the request for National Guard support.