President Donald Trump is encouraging protesters occupying the U.S. Capitol to "remain peaceful."
As he faced growing pressure from allies to condemn the violence Wednesday afternoon, Trump tweeted, "No violence!" adding: "Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue."
Trump had appeared earlier at a rally and had urged his supporters to march to the Capitol — at one point even suggesting he would join them.
He also urged his supporters to "get rid of the weak Congress people" — presumably through primary challenges — saying, "get the weak ones get out; this is the time for strength."
A Defense Department official says Washington, D.C., has requested an additional 200 National Guard members to make their way to the Capitol.
That request is currently under review at the Pentagon to determine how the Guard can respond to support law enforcement.
According to officials, the Guard members have a very specific mission that does not include putting military at the Capitol. Instead, the Guard must be used to backfill law enforcement outside the Capitol complex, freeing up more law enforcement to respond to the Capitol.
Officials said the request for more National Guard has not been rejected.
