The U.S. Capitol Police announced on Thursday that it has requested the Department of Defense to have the National Guard’s support at the Capitol extended until March 12. The formal request came from Yogananda Pittman, the Capitol Police acting chief. “The Department takes its mission seriously and will do whatever is necessary to achieve that mission,” an announcement from the Capitol Police reads. “The USCP is extremely grateful for the Department of Defense and the National Guard support provided since January 6th. We understand the Guard has a tremendous service need back home responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Pittman on Wednesday told the House Legislative Branch Subcommittee in her prepared testimony (pdf) that threats to members have nearly doubled—up by 93.5 percent during the first two months of 2021, compared to 2020. The department announced on Wednesday that it would step up its security measures on Capitol grounds owing to “concerning information …