WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say the cost of deploying about 26,000 National Guard troops to secure the U.S. Capitol in the wake of the deadly Jan. 6 riot is nearly $500 million. The Guard deployment brought troops in from all 50 states and four territories, as law enforcement agencies tried to lock down the Capitol for the inauguration of the President Joe Biden. Thousands of Guard members poured into the nation’s capital and were stationed across the city to block traffic and protect lawmakers and landmarks. Officials say the money is expected to cover the costs of the Guard through mid-March, when the troops are expected to leave.
