An unprecedented 25,000 National Guard troops will be performing security duties in the US capital Washington DC when President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in 46th president on January 20.
The number of National Guard troops is increased by the US defence officials who are worried on the FBI report about an insider attack from service members deputed for Biden’s security.
The FBI plans to bring in 25,000 National Guard troops for the inauguration event. The capital is barricaded, roads leading to Capitol are closed and visits to monuments postponed till the inauguration.
The extraordinary security measures are planned following January 6 riots and capture of Capitol by President Donald Trump’s supporters.
And there are fears that some of the very people assigned to protect the city over the next several days could present a threat to the incoming president and other VIPs.
Although the weekend was quiet, despite reports for violence from all over the country, the inauguration ceremony rehearsal, that was delayed by a day, will be a test case for security agencies. The rehearsal for the ceremony will be held today.
Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said that officials are conscious of the potential threat, and warned commanders to remain vigilant for any suspicious movement within their ranks.
Meanwhile, acting Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli said the rehearsal was delayed after “online chatter” about the previously scheduled rehearsal day of Sunday. But, he said, there are “no specific credible threats.”
The Federal Aviation Administration has also restricted DC’s airspace for Inauguration Day. It restricted noncommercial and nonmilitary flights to Dulles International Airport, Baltimore Washington International Airport and Manassas Regional Airport between 8am and 8pm on January 20.
