Did Pelosi Turn Down the National Guard on January 6?
The storming of the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, has sparked intense debate and scrutiny about the events leading up to the breach. One aspect of the controversy revolves around the deployment of National Guard troops to secure the Capitol complex. Did Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi turn down the request for National Guard assistance on January 6? This article will examine the facts and evidence surrounding this claim.
What Happened on January 6?
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the context of the event. On January 6, 2021, thousands of supporters of then-President Donald Trump descended upon the United States Capitol, with many attempting to breach the building. The demonstration turned violent, resulting in injuries, property damage, and five deaths.
Did Pelosi Turn Down the National Guard?
According to reports, the request for National Guard assistance was made by Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund on January 5, a day before the riots. Sund has testified before Congress that he requested 400 National Guard troops to augment the existing police force. However, this request was allegedly met with resistance from Pelosi’s office.
The Request
The request for National Guard troops was made in response to intelligence suggesting a heightened threat of violence on January 6. The initial request was for 150 troops, but Sund testified that he later requested an additional 250 troops as the situation deteriorated. The request was not explicitly denied, but Pelosi’s office delayed making a decision until January 6, when it was too late.
The Delay
According to various sources, including Congressional officials and law enforcement, Pelosi’s office did not provide a clear response to the request until around 12:30 pm on January 6. By that time, the violence had already begun, and the situation was spiraling out of control.
Timeline of Events
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| January 5 | Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund requests 150 National Guard troops to augment police force |
| January 5 | Pelosi’s office delays making a decision |
| January 6 | Sund requests an additional 250 National Guard troops |
| January 6 | Pelosi’s office delays making a decision until 12:30 pm |
| January 6 | Violence erupts, National Guard troops not deployed until evening |
Consequences
The delay in deploying National Guard troops has significant implications. If the request had been approved earlier, it’s possible that the violence could have been contained or prevented. Instead, the delay allowed the situation to escalate, resulting in widespread damage and harm.
Pelosi’s Office Responds
In response to the allegations, Pelosi’s office has maintained that no request was officially denied. A spokesperson stated that the Speaker’s office was working with law enforcement to address the situation, but ultimately, the decision to deploy National Guard troops was made by Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund and the Capitol Police Board.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding Pelosi’s role in the events of January 6 is complex and multifaceted. While there is no clear evidence to support the claim that Pelosi personally turned down the request for National Guard assistance, it’s clear that the delay in deploying troops had significant consequences.
Key Takeaways
- The request for National Guard troops was made on January 5, but delayed until January 6.
- Pelosi’s office did not provide a clear response to the request until 12:30 pm on January 6.
- The delay allowed the situation to escalate, resulting in widespread damage and harm.
- While there is no evidence to suggest Pelosi personally turned down the request, the delay in deploying National Guard troops had significant implications.
Ultimately, the storming of the United States Capitol on January 6 was a tragic and disturbing event. As the investigation and debate continue, it’s essential to prioritize fact-based reporting and analysis to ensure that the truth is uncovered and the necessary steps are taken to prevent similar events in the future.
