Guard in DC forced to sleep in garages, sparking outcry

WASHINGTON (AP) — Images of National Guard soldiers camped in a cold parking garage after being sent to protect Washington are sparking new calls for investigations of the U.S. Capitol Police, now facing allegations that the agency evicted troops sent to help after its failure to stop rioting mobs two weeks ago.

Members of both parties were irate about reports that Guardsmen were forced to take rest breaks outside the Capitol building, and President Joe Biden expressed his “dismay” about how the troops had been treated. About 25,000 Guard members from across the country deployed to help secure Biden’s inauguration, which went off with only a handful of minor arrests.

Congressman Darrell Issa from the 50th Congressional District joined Good Morning San Diego to discuss the images of soldiers.

Both the Guard and Capitol Police issued a joint statement Friday afternoon saying they have now coordinated to establish “appropriate spaces” within Congressional buildings for on-duty breaks. The statement noted that off-duty troops have hotel rooms or “other comfortable accommodations.”