Gov. Phil Murphy has announced the deployment of 500 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C.

In a statement, the governor says, “Upon the request of the United States National Guard Bureau, I am authorizing the deployment of 500 members of the New Jersey National Guard to Washington, D.C. to protect our democracy and facilitate the peaceful transition of power. Our republic is built on the principles of democracy, peace, and the right of the American people to freely choose their leaders. The brave men and women of our National Guard will be deployed in order to preserve these sacred principles. May God Bless America and our brave men and women in uniform.”

Col. Lisa Hou, the interim New Jersey adjutant general, says the first wave of 500 guard members has left for Washington, D.C. 

“They’re brave men and women of our National Guard and they’ve stepped up to the plate,” says Hou. “This is what we’re here for—to defend our Constitution.”

New Jersey Guard members were always planning to go to D.C. too  b with security, but the planned number of 40 increased to 500.

The units going to D.C. include members of the aviation unit and members of the military police battalion.

This comes as officials identified at least one man from Cape May among those arrested during yesterday’s violent takeover.

All 500 members are expected to be in D.C. by Sunday.