SC National Guard members returning to Washington D.C.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Members of the South Carolina National Guard are returning to our nation’s capitol.

The guard announced Governor Henry McMaster authorized the movement of more than 300 guardsmen to Washington DC.

Officials say their primary mission will be assisting law enforcement officers and reinforcing safety for residents, workers, and visitors.

Governor McMaster says he is proud of South Carolinians doing their part to protect the Capitol.

According to the guard, this deployment is not a direct response to last week’s shooting involving two West Virginia National Guard members, but rather was previously scheduled as part of a routine rotation.