(Chris Parker, Headline USA) A memo sent ahead of the January 6th inauguration proves that President Trump issued orders to ensure the rally was a safe event, reports Just the News.
That memo was detailed and published by the Pentagon inspector general. It details a meeting on January 3rd, 2021 in which then President Trump met with military advisors. While the topic primarily focused on national security matters, Trump also discussed ensuring enough National Guard troops were present to ensure a safe event.
“Mr. Miller and GEN Milley met with the President at the White House at 5:30 p.m.,” the memo reported. “The primary topic they discussed was unrelated to the scheduled rally. GEN Milley told us that at the end of the meeting, the President told Mr. Miller that there would be a large number of protestors on January 6, 2021, and Mr. Miller should ensure sufficient National Guard or Soldiers would be there to make sure it was a safe event. Gen Milley told us that Mr. Miller responded, ‘We’ve got a plan and we’ve got it covered.'”
However, several Democrat and military leaders were concerned about the perception that a strong military presence might invoke. Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said “he did not want to create the perception that the military was involved in the electoral process.”
Robert Contee, Police Chief for Washington DC, also opposed the National Guard’s protection. “Chief Contee explained to us that he did not want other Federal law enforcement involved on January 6, 2021, because of the risk associated with having unidentified Federal officers carrying weapons within D.C,” the memo stated.
There have been other security concerns regarding the January 6th riot. Video footage shows Capitol Police leaving doors open shortly before the arrival of protesters. Those officers did not have protective gear. Many officers also appeared hesitant to take any action.
