The Pentagon said on Friday that "instead of looking directly at the Pentagon to help people fight in the Jan. 6 riot, I would need 100 National Guard troops to strengthen his standby forces to help protect the Capitol if needed", ahead of Thursday's planned rally to support people charged with taking part in the deadly attack.
Hundreds of far-right supporters are expected in the District of Columbia for the Justice For J 6 rally, a reference to the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of Joe Biden in an attempt to stop certification of Trump's election win
A Pentagon spokesman said the request had been made by the Capitol Police and the troop would be based out of the D.C. Armory.
They would be used after local, state and federal law enforcement capabilities had been tapped, the spokesperson said.
The task force will be deployed only upon request of the Capitol Police to help protect the U.S. Capitol Building and Congressional Office Buildings by verifying entry points at building perimeters and guarding credentials of individuals who want access, the spokesman said.
Police have heightened security around Capitol, mindful of the rioters on Jan. 6 who attacked police, drew fire and climbed into the building, sending lawmakers and then-Vice President Mike Pence to run for safety.
Workers reassembled a fence that was pulled down around the White Capitol during the following day but was put up in July.
The fence separated the lawns of Capitol Hill from other public landmarks including the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, congressional office buildings and the Capitol Reflecting Pool just west of Capitol Hill, where protesters planned to gather on Saturday.
Travelers arriving at airports near Washington, D.C., will face increased security in the run-up to the rally, the Transportation Security Administration has said.
Police and congressional leaders have said they are prepared for Saturday's protest. Most members of Congress will be out of town.