AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered Texas National Guard members to return after photos surfaced of guard members resting and sleeping in a Washington, D.C. parking garage.
Members of the National Guard were apparently forced off U.S. Capitol property after they were among the troops deployed to help secure the area for the inauguration of President Joe Biden on Wednesday.
Biden and other lawmakers thanked the guardsmen for their efforts during the ceremonies, but some guardsmen said they felt betrayed after they were ordered to vacate the Capitol complex.
Later, they were welcomed back inside the Capitol.
The National Guard Bureau told CNN the troop relocation was temporary because Congress was in session on Thursday.
That prompted outrage from several lawmakers about the troops’ treatment.
“This should NEVER have been an issue, but glad to hear they have been welcomed back inside the Capitol,” tweeted Texas Senator Ted Cruz.
Earlier this evening my staff reached out to @TexasGuard leaders to make sure #TX Guardsmen are okay & that they're being taken care of while serving in our Nation's capital.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 22, 2021
This should NEVER have been an issue, but glad to hear they have been welcomed back inside the Capitol.
“I have instructed General Norris to order the return of the Texas National Guard to our state,” Abbott tweeted.
I have instructed General Norris to order the return of the Texas National Guard to our state. @TexasGuard
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) January 22, 2021
About 25,000 National Guard troops were called up from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. because of the heightened security concerns around the inauguration.
