Northam sending Virginia National Guard to DC in response to Capitol raid

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced Wednesday that he has authorized the Virginia National Guard to respond to the raid on the U.S. Capitol building by Trump supporters.

Northam said he will send members of the National Guard and 200 Virginia State troopers to help quell the unrest at the Capitol, where protesters breached security, prompting Capitol Police to evacuate lawmakers, staff and reporters.

The governor added that he has consulted with Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (N.Y.).

My team and I are working closely with @MayorBowser, @SpeakerPelosi, and @SenSchumer to respond to the situation in Washington, D.C.

Per the Mayor’s request, I am sending members of the Virginia National Guard along with 200 Virginia State Troopers.

— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) January 6, 2021

Maryland has also mobilized National Guard troops, and a congressional aide told The Hill that about 1,100 National Guard personnel overall are responding, in coordination with D.C. law enforcement.

“The D.C. Guard has been mobilized to provide support to federal law enforcement in the District,” Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement Wednesday, adding that Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller has been in contact with congressional leaders and Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy is coordinating with D.C. officials.

“The law enforcement response will be led by the Department of Justice,” Hoffman said.

Ellen Mitchell and Rebecca Kheel contributed.