Texas Governor orders National Guard unit stationed in DC for Biden inauguration back home after troops forced to sleep in parking garages

"I have instructed General Norris to order the return of the Texas National Guard to our state."

This follows bi-partisan outcry at pictures of Guardsmen sleeping on the concrete floors of the garages in freezing temperatures. A Guardsman told Politico "Yesterday dozens of senators and congressmen walked down our lines taking photos, shaking our hands and thanking us for our service. Within 24 hours, they had no further use for us and banished us to the corner of a parking garage. We feel incredibly betrayed."

Guard units had been told to leave Capitol grounds facilities where they had been staying for the two weeks leading up to the inauguration. There was reportedly only one electrical outlet and one bathroom for 5,000 troops and no internet reception.

Over 25,000 Guardsmen from around the country were ordered to Washington DC following the Jan 6 riot at the US Capitol, in order to provide additional security for the inauguration. The guard has been on station for two weeks and were seen in pictures last week before the inauguration sleeping on the floors of the Capitol before cots were brought in.

Following public outcry and pushback from many lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, Guardsmen were welcomed back to the Capitol buildings on Thursday night.