Connecticut National Guard Members Heading To Washington, D.C.

HARTFORD, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont announced Tuesday that he is authorizing the deployment of more than 100 members of the Connecticut National Guard to Washington, D.C. to “aid and facilitate the peaceful transition of presidential power.”

Lamont, who made the authorization at the request of U.S. National Guard officials, said the state’s contingent will include members of the military police and two patrol explosive-detection dog teams that are dual-trained for police patrol activities and explosive detection.

The state’s Air Guard has also placed C-130H aircraft and crews on alert status, which are capable of moving personnel throughout the country if needed, according to a news release.

“The State of Connecticut stands ready to help ensure the peaceful transition of power and protect our democracy,” Lamont said in a statement. “May God bless our brave men and women in uniform, and the United States of America.”

Lamont stressed that the deployment of these Connecticut National Guard members will not “impact the state’s ongoing efforts to contain and combat the COVID-19 virus.”