Photos show thousands of National Guardsmen sleeping outside and packed in a parking lot after being told to leave the Capitol building.
The images sparked outrage among lawmakers as some guardsmen said they felt “incredibly betrayed” after they spent days protecting the Capitol.
The scenes prompted state governors to order the immediate return of their Guardsmen from the Capitol, the Daily Mail reported.
New Hampshire Gov Chris Sununu took to Twitter and wrote: “I’ve ordered the immediate return of all New Hampshire National Guard from Washington DC.
“They did an outstanding job serving our nation’s capital in a time of strife and should be graciously praised, not subject to substandard conditions.”
One unnamed guardsman said: “Yesterday dozens of senators and congressmen walked down our lines taking photos, shaking our hands and thanking us for our service. Within 24 hours, they had no further use for us and banished us to the corner of a parking garage. We feel incredibly betrayed.”
Another soldier told CNN: “After everything went seamlessly, we were deemed useless and banished to a corner of a parking garage.”
A third told Task & Purpose: “Leaving our families for the last two weeks to come down here. It’s certainly important and historic, but the day after inauguration you kick us literally to the curb? Come on, man.”
Guard spokesperson Maj. Matt Murphy reportedly said the troops were told by the Capitol Police to move their rest area due to the increased foot traffic in the Capitol building.
“They were temporarily relocated to the Thurgood Marshall Judicial Center garage with heat and restroom facilities. We remain an agile and flexible force to provide for the safety and security of the Capitol and its surrounding areas,” he said.
Capitol Police apologized after photos of the guardsmen sparked outrage 24 hours after the inauguration.
Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman said in a statement that police did not tell the Guardsman that they had to vacate.
“It was brought to our attention early today that facility management with the Thurgood Marshall Judicial Office Building reached out directly to the National Guard to offer use of its facilities,” Pittman said.
“As of this morning, all Guardsmen and women have been relocated to space within the Capitol Complex.
“The Department is also working with the Guard to reduce the need for sleeping accommodations by establishing shorter shifts, and will ensure they have access to the comfortable accommodations they absolutely deserve when the need arises.”
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Replaced!