National Security
GOP lawmakers want briefing regarding continued National Guard presence at Capitol
A group of House Republicans is asking the Defense Department to brief them on why thousands of National Guardsmen are expected to remain in D.C. until at least March, Fox News reports.
National Guard Bureau spokesman Wayne Hall confirmed to Fox News Tuesday that National Guard members will remain in the Capitol until at least mid-March.
“As we continue to work to meet the final post-inauguration requirements, the National Guard has been requested to continue supporting federal law enforcement agencies with 7,000 members and will draw down to 5,000 through mid-March,” Hall told Fox News.
Acting Army Secretary John Whitley said at a briefing Monday that the FBI has been warned of several planned protests and potential unrest in the coming weeks that will require a Guard presence in the Capital.
“We are posturing our forces to be able to respond to those threats if they emerge,” Whitley said.
Several GOP lawmakers are criticizing the decision, saying the National Guard should be used as an absolute last resort.
12 GOP lawmakers wrote a letter to Whitley requesting a briefing regarding the decision for significant troop presence in D.C. through mid-March.
“Our intention is for the briefing to cover ongoing threats to the Capitol, justification of the decision for a significant troop presence through mid-March, and plans for troop utilization during the time period,” the letter says.
“As you know better than anyone, our National Guard men and women are deployed on short notice and pulled away from their families and jobs,” the letter continues.
“Further, the Guard has endured unprecedented stress on the force in the past year given COVID-19, social unrest, natural disasters, and ongoing overseas requirements. The National Guard should be used as an option of absolute last resort.”
The letter concludes, “We are seeking clarification and justification on behalf of the National Guard men and women that have kept us safe over the past month and year. We are seeking this threat assessment briefing as soon as reasonably possible and greatly appreciate your time and attention.”
Sen. Tom Cotton agreed, saying time it’s to send the troops home.
“The National Guard soldiers who deployed to protect the Capitol this month certainly deserve such gratitude. They deployed on short notice, leaving behind their families and jobs. Despite cold weather and uncomfortable conditions, these soldiers did their duty, in the finest traditions of the Guard,” Cotton said.
“Their presence, coupled with tough federal charges against the Capitol rioters, deterred any further violence; the presidential inauguration occurred without incident.”
“With the inauguration complete and threats receding, now it’s time, yes, to send home the troops.”
National Security
ISIS-Inspired Teen’s Sinister Plot Foiled: Lone Wolf Threat Neutralized in Las Vegas
A horrifying report was unearthed that a 16-year-old aspiring terrorist had sinister plans to unleash “lone wolf operations in Las Vegas” in the name of ISIS, according to law enforcement sources.
Fox News reports the ominous announcement came via a social media post where the suspect vowed to embark on a campaign against what he deemed “the enemies of Allah.” The disturbing message included an ISIS flag and expressions in Arabic, underscoring the gravity of the threat.
Law enforcement swiftly swung into action after the Nov. 28 post, which was laden with a call for “Dua for victory” and a declaration of allegiance to the Islamic State. Within a matter of hours, the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, in collaboration with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department counter-terrorism division, pinpointed the suspect’s identity and location.
A subsequent raid led to the teenager’s arrest on Friday. Disturbingly, agents uncovered not just his support for ISIS, evident through a handmade flag and propaganda, but also a cache of materials indicating a tangible terror plot.
Furthermore, the seized items included components for constructing improvised explosive devices, bomb-making instructions, and self-portraits of the suspect surrounded by ISIS paraphernalia.
Deputy Chief of Homeland Security and Special Operations Division, Dori Koren, emphasized that law enforcement believes this to be an isolated threat that was promptly neutralized. There are currently no indications of additional threats to the community.
The minor is facing charges of terroristic threats, attempting to further an act of terrorism, providing material support to a terrorist organization, and possession of explosive components — all of which are felony charges. The prosecution will be spearheaded by the Clark County District Attorney’s Office in Nevada.
This alarming incident underscores the ever-present challenge of combating radicalization, even among the youth, and the critical role law enforcement plays in thwarting potential acts of terror on U.S. soil.
-
Israel5 days agoAs More Evidence Shows Hamas War Crimes, Biden Administration Continues to Gaslight Israel
-
Elections5 days agoVideotapes from Jan. 6 Committee Witness Interviews Vanish
-
National Security4 days agoISIS-Inspired Teen’s Sinister Plot Foiled: Lone Wolf Threat Neutralized in Las Vegas
-
Israel4 days agoMenorah lightings canceled around the world as towns remove Jewish symbols over Hamas war
