How will the impeachment trial against Trump proceed?
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(CNN) -
Plans to keep thousands of National Guard soldiers in Washington through the end of the month are motivated in part by concerns of further unrest during the impending impeachment trial, and also in anticipation of the first speech. of President Biden before a joint session of Congress, according to defense officials familiar with current planning.
The concern stems from what officials said were ongoing talks chosen by federal law enforcement on demonstrations.
On Thursday, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser referred to "intelligence from our federal partners that would suggest we need more presence."
However, he did not go into further details.
LEE: The National Guard returns to the Capitol after legislators refused to take them out to the parking lot
There is also talk of troops staying until March for intelligence on other upcoming protests and threats, the official said.
The deployment was originally for a minimum of 30 days.
The return home of the soldiers of the National Guard
CNN reported Thursday that most of the 25,000 National Guard soldiers who were flown to Washington to help secure the city during the inauguration would return to their homes within five to 10 days, according to a statement from the National Guard Office.
About 15,000 soldiers will return home "as soon as possible."
However, the planning and process to start moving them can take a few days.
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There are some agencies requesting continued support, the National Guard Bureau said.
About 7,000 Guardsmen are expected to remain through the end of the month.
The incidents in Washington have subsided, a law enforcement official said, but not to a level that creates big changes in terms of security concerns.
The Capitol remains a target and the events surrounding it remain a target, the official said.
However, the ongoing deployment will be "voluntary".
In addition, the governors will have to agree that these forces of order are maintained in the city.
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