“Hundreds of National Guard troops from among the thousands who deployed to the nation's capital after the violent riots earlier this month have tested positive for COVID-19 or are in quarantine, Politico reported Friday.

More than 25,000 National Guard troops were activated and deployed to Washington, DC in the wake of the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol for a security mission that ran through the inauguration of President Joe Biden on Wednesday. The National Guard announced Thursday that the process for sending troops home is already underway. Since their mission began, there have been numerous photos of National Guard members packed together in various parts of the Capitol complex, including nearby parking garages. Politico reports that one garage had 5,000 troops inside with only one bathroom.

More than 150 National Guard troops have reportedly tested positive for the virus, and a few hundred other Guard members are presently in quarantine. One National Guard member told Politico that the troops were not tested for COVID-19 before they arrived in DC. "Right after the holidays they packed us together like sardines in buses and rooms for this," the Guard member said.”

“At least 20 U.S. Capitol Police officers reportedly contracted the coronavirus after the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. The uptick in COVID-19 cases is the largest number among the rank and file in months, according to a Capitol Police union leader. In footage released from the incidents, many of the rioters can be seen without masks on, a precaution urged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ease the spread of the virus.” NBC News

"Multiple members of Congress have tested positive for COVID-19 since the riot at the U.S. Capitol. Some of these lawmakers are now blaming their co-workers for risky exposure during the riot, reporting that they sheltered in rooms with multiple Republican lawmakers who refused to wear a mask. Video of lawmakers, some without masks and standing close together as they sheltered together. some members of Congress, including Rep. Markwayne Mullin, were seen refusing to accept a mask when offered." ABC News