Fact check: What role did the Pentagon play in National Guard deployment on January 6th?

1. Summary of the results

The Pentagon played a significant role in delaying the National Guard deployment during the January 6th Capitol riot. Key findings show:

• The first National Guard members didn't arrive until 5:40 PM, nearly 4 hours after the initial breach at 2 PM ^[1]
• Major General William Walker testified that troops could have been deployed within 20 minutes of approval ^[2]
• Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller only approved full National Guard mobilization at 3:04 PM ^[1]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several crucial contextual elements need to be considered:

• Only the president, defense secretary, and U.S. Army secretary have the authority to activate the DC National Guard ^[3]
• The Pentagon claims that Capitol Police did not request National Guard troops prior to the event, despite military offers ^[1]
• Pentagon officials were reportedly concerned about the "optics" of military presence and wanted to carefully understand troop assignments ^[2]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

There are conflicting narratives about the Pentagon's role:

*Official Pentagon Position:

• Defense officials emphasize the lack of pre-event requests from Capitol Police ^[1]
• The Department of Defense Inspector General report defended the Pentagon's actions ^[4]

Congressional Investigation Findings:*

• The House Administration Subcommittee claims the Pentagon deliberately delayed the response ^[4]
• The subcommittee suggests the DoD Inspector General report mischaracterized the Pentagon's actions ^[4]
• Evidence shows senior Pentagon leaders prevented the National Guard from deploying at 3 PM, despite troops being ready and capable ^[4]

Those benefiting from the "delayed response" narrative include congressional oversight committees and political opponents of the then-administration. Those benefiting from the "proper procedures were followed" narrative include Pentagon leadership and the previous administration's officials who were in charge during the events.