SALT LAKE CITY — After assisting in the security surrounding this week's inauguration events in the nation's capitol, Gov. Spencer Cox has called home Utah National Guard troops.
Last week, the state deployed about 360 troops to join with those from other states in protecting the area during the inauguration of President Joe Biden on Wednesday.
“Since Jan. 15, our Utah National Guard troops have served in Washington, D.C. with distinction. Now it’s time to bring them home as we need their help distributing COVID-19 vaccinations throughout the state,” Gov. Cox said. “We’re grateful for the willingness of these dedicated men and women to serve whenever and wherever they are needed.”
Security in Washington was stepped up after the Jan. 6 insurrection in which supporters of former President Trump ransacked the U.S. Capitol in a protest that left five people dead, including a police officer.
With National Guard troops still in D.C., controversy arose Thursday when thousands of National Guardsmen were forced to take breaks in parking garages after they were prohibited from resting in the Capitol building by Capitol police. The department later apologized and allowed the troops back into the complex.
It's not know if any Utah National Guard troops were blocked from entering the Capitol.
