DC National Guard Chief: Pentagon Delayed Deployment on Jan. 6 The D.C. National Guard’s top official on Wednesday said deployment of guardsmen was delayed after the U.S. Capitol was breached on Jan. 6 because of an “unusual” memorandum that was issued a day prior. William Walker, commanding general of the D.C. Guard, told lawmakers during a Capitol Hill hearing that then-Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy on Jan. 5 issued a memo barring the use of the Guard’s “Quick Reaction Force” without approval. If that limitation wasn’t in place, Walker alleged, he would have immediately sent troops to the Capitol following the breach, especially after getting an emotional call from former Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund at 1:49 p.m.