ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Governor Larry Hogan on Thursday explained behind the scenes efforts that led to Maryland becoming the first state National Guard on scene of violent protests at the U.S. Capitol.
Hogan said he first got a call from House Leader, Steny Hoyer, of Maryland, begging him to send in the Guard.
Up to that point, Hogan told Hoyer that he'd received no federal authorization to do so.
But later, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy called the Governor and gave the go ahead.
Ultimately 500 members of the Maryland National Guard made their way into D.C. to assist the U.S. Capitol Police in securing the halls of Congress.
On top of that, Hogan deployed 200 members of the Maryland State Police and other allied agencies.
All Maryland reinforcements remained throughout the night helping D.C. authorities enforce curfew restrictions.
Although Wednesday's mission has been completed, Hogan says he's extended the Maryland Guard's deployment until after the January 20 Presidential Inauguration.
Thursday marked the first time Hogan backed the call of many Democratic leaders, for President Trump to resign.
“There’s no question that America would be better off if the President would resign or be removed from office,” said Hogan.
The Governor's statements echo that of Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger, and State Senate President Bill Ferguson.
