IDAHO STATE GUARD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Idaho Military Division,
Idaho State Guard,
Office of the Adjutant-General,
Fort Oakley,
Marion County, ID
Official Reply to NSPI
Dear Senator Walter von Reichenau,
It has come to my attention that you feel that you have been mistreated by members of the Idaho State Guard.
Let me begin by assuring you that my Guardsmen take every precaution possible in order to ensure the security of the Capitol and those who work there, like yourself.
I have spoke with those responsible for today's incident in the Governor's office and am satisfied that their response was measured and appropriate to what could amount to an aggravated trespass within the Governor's office, in direct contradiction to Mr Kirkman's personal wishes and orders. I do, of course, intend to speak to Governor Kirkman, myself, tomorrow, when he is in contact hours.
I do apologise if there was, perhaps, some "rough handling" during the incident in the Governor's office, unfortunately this is part and parcel of being discovered by the guards in a restricted area. Rest assured that the Guardsmen that handled you are thankful at your cooperation.
As for the Recruit, whilst she was temporarily posted as a security escort to yourself on an outing to the city (this was authorised by Captain William Hawthorne of A Company, 3rd Battalion), she subsequently did not return to her command or switch her radio on after this, and as such was apparently absent without official leave, aggravated by the fact that she was in possession of her service weapon, a Glock 17 pistol, at this time. Due to this and her subsequent behaviour following the incident, her commanding officer (Captain Hawthorne) believed it was necessary, appropriate and within military interests to file official charges against her, and she was subsequently detained by the military police and remains in custody at Fort Oakley Disciplinary Barracks.
We regret to hear about your kidnap and subsequent hospitalisation in the hours following the aforementioned incident. Regrettably and unfortunately, it is not possible for us to provide 24/7 security for all members of the legislature, but we are in a position to respond to security incidents such as the incident you mention if we are informed. It sounds like some additional security measures on your person should be considered - especially given the recent bomb scare (fortunately not a real bomb) addressed to yourself. I would encourage you to get in contact with the Capitol's Security Staff Office, who can liaise with the Military Division (State Guard) and the police in order to ensure that adequate security measures are put in place.
If you believe there was any misconduct, or indeed gross misconduct, please do not hesitate to get in contact with myself and make a formal report. I can promise a full and transparent investigation will ensue, between the State Guard's Military Police and the Idaho Military Division CID.
Please, if you have any more concerns or questions, do not hesitate to get in contact with me. I would also be happy to meet you in person to discuss any concerns you have with the State Guard.
Regards,
Major General Julia Venter
Adjutant-General, Idaho Military Division & State Guard