End the D.C. Occupation and Bring the Guard Home [OPINION]

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker shipped between 500-700 Massachusetts National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. in January. The locals helped make up a force of more than 26,000 that assisted with security for Joe Biden's inauguration. Some, if not all, of the Massachusetts contingent has returned home. As of this writing, I have been unable to confirm if any locals remain deployed in the nation's capital at this time.

More than 6,000 troops remain in Washington more than a month after the inauguration. Three miles of 12-foot high, sturdy fencing topped with razor wire circles the U.S. Capitol building. The barrier rivals the "wall" being constructed along the southern border until it was halted by the Biden Administration. The fence appears to have but one gate.

The National Guard could remain in Washington through next month, though reduced to a force of about 5,000. CNN reports there has been a request to leave the Guard and the fencing in place until September. But no one seems to be able or willing to explain why such a force is necessary. CNN also reports that the Department of Homeland Security knows of no credible threat to the government.

The events of January 6th were disturbing, but the militarization of the nation's capital is unnecessary. The images of an armed Capitol must be alarming and unsettling for the rest of the free world. They are disturbing to me and should be to you as well.

Governor Baker should immediately withdraw any National Guard troops that might remain in Washington, as should any governor with troops still there, unless someone can explain exactly why they are needed.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.