Wolf Activates National Guard, Sends It to DC to Help Secure Peace

The Pennsylvania National Guard, the second largest in the nation, will be there until President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.

HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Wolf activated the Pennsylvania National Guard on Thursday and is sending it to Washington, DC.

Approximately 1,000 guard members will go to the nation’s capital to support the District of Columbia National Guard and local civilian authorities through the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 20.

“The unprecedented and disturbing events in our nation’s capital are cause for ongoing concern and Pennsylvania is prepared to assist as needed in securing peace and an orderly transfer of power,” Wolf said in a news release.

Violence broke out Wednesday after a rally attended earlier by President Donald Trump ended with many attendees attacking the Capitol. The domestic terrorists broke windows, vandalized offices, stole documents. They also carried guns, threatening the lives of members of Congress and Capitol staff.

The activated guard members will report to their local armories over the next few days to receive their assignments. Wolf said they will go to DC to keep the area surrounding the Capitol and other locations secure in the days leading up to the inauguration.

Pennsylvania has the second largest National Guard in the country, with approximately 19,000 members in more than 80 armories and readiness centers statewide.

“Pennsylvania Guard members are well-trained and well-prepared to assist our communities, commonwealth and country in any way they can,” said Acting Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler. “We are also very fortunate that our Guard members have extensive experience working alongside the D.C. National Guard as part of past training events and presidential inaugurations.”