Homeland Security Update:Thousands of Troops to Remain in D.C.

More than 5,000 National Guard troops are to continue their homeland security mission in the nation's capital at least well into March.Federal law enforcement has reportedly been monitoring concerning online chatter and requested the additional assistance to safeguard against more domestic terrorism.The National Guard Bureau explained: We are providing assistance such as security, communications, medical evacuation, logistics and safety support to state, district and federal agencies.* According to acting Secretary of the Army John Whitley, the requests break down as follows: US Park Police - 500 troops; Metropolitan Police Department - 550 troops; US Secret Service - 600 troops; US Capitol Police - 5,000 troops.* There's a lot of concern about upcoming events at the Capitol, including the impeachment trial in the US Senate of former President Donald Trump beginning on 9 February 2021, and President Joe Biden's nighttime address to a joint session of Congress later in February.* So far, the FBI has identified 400 suspects from the 6 January insurrection at the Capitol, and 150 arrests have been made.They are pursuing not only those who broke into the Capitol; but those who stayed on the Capitol grounds as well.*