Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has approved the continued use of nearly 2,300 National Guardsmen to remain in Washington, D.C. through May 23.

According to Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby the number of National Guard troops represents a nearly 50% reduction of the current support force.

“During this extended period, DOD officials will work with the U.S. Capitol Police to incrementally reduce the National Guard footprint as conditions allow,” wrote Kirby in the release. “We thank the National Guard for its support throughout this mission, as well as for its significant efforts across the nation in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.”

National Guard presence ramped up to nearly 13,000 troops immediately after the insurrection on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, and peaked with 25,000 members stationed to protect President Joe Biden’s inauguration ceremony.

Photo By Airman 1st Class Daira Vargas