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This timeline is intended to memorialize the planning and execution efforts of the Department of Defense to address the Violent Attack at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
- The timeline is as follows:
Thursday, December 31, 2020 (New Year’s Eve)
- Mayor Muriel Bowser and Dr. Christopher Rodriguez, D.C. Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, deliver a written request for D.C. National Guard (DCNG) support to D.C. Metro Police Department (MPD) and Fire and Emergency Service.
Saturday, January 2, 2021
- The Acting Secretary of Defense (A/SD) confers with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) and the Secretary of the Army (SECARMY) on the Mayor’s written request.
Sunday, January 3, 2021
- DoD confirms with U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) that there is no request for DoD support.
- A/SD meets with select Cabinet Members to discuss DoD support to law enforcement agencies and potential requirements for DoD support.
- A/SD and CJCS meet with the President. President concurs in activation of the DCNG to support law enforcement.
Monday, January 4, 2021
- USCP confirms there is no requirement for DoD support in a phone call with SECARMY.
- The A/SD, in consultation with CJCS, SECARMY, and DoD General Counsel (GC), reviews the Department’s plan to be prepared to provide support to civil authorities, if asked, and approves activation of 340 members of the DCNG to support Mayor Bowser’s request.
- Support provided in response to Mayor Bowser’s request includes support at:
- Traffic Control Points: 90 personnel (180 total/2 shifts); Metro station support: 24 personnel (48 total/2 shifts); Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team: 20 personnel; and Internal Command and Control: 52 personnel.
- A/SD also authorizes SECARMY to deploy a Quick Reaction Force (40 personnel staged at Joint Base Andrews) if additional support is requested by civil authorities.
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
- Mayor Bowser delivers a letter addressed to the Acting Attorney General, A/SD, and SECARMY confirming that there are no additional support requirements from the D.C.
- 255 DCNG arrive in D.C. and begin to manage traffic control points alongside local law enforcement.
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
0830: A/SD and CJCS review DoD plan to support law enforcement agencies and request an exercise regarding DoD contingency response options.
