The number of National Guard troops coming to Washington to assist with security has so far grown to about 21,000, Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the
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Vice President Mike Pence told the FBI, Secret Service, National Guard, and others to “lean forward” in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration Wednesday, as 21,000 armed National Guard members assemble in Washington.
“Remain vigilant,” Pence said after receiving a briefing Thursday afternoon at the Department of Homeland Security. “The American people deserve a safe inauguration Jan. 20.”
In the wake of Jan. 6 protests that turned violent and breached Capitol security, the inauguration was declared a National Special Security Event to streamline coordination between local, state, and federal authorities.
Chief of the National Guard Bureau Gen. Dan Hokanson announced the highest number of National Guard troops yet made public when he stated that 21,000 troops will be authorized for the event and that 7,000 are already patrolling the District of Columbia.
As part of security measures ahead of the Inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, so-called “core areas” of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. will close to the public on Friday and remain closed until January 21, according to the National Park Service.
Enhanced security measures, including razor wire atop a security fence surrounding the U.S. Capitol, are being implemented across the nation in preparation for next week s Presidential inauguration.
Law enforcement officials are bracing for possible serious security breaches and violent assaults ahead of President-elect Joe Biden s swearing in next week. State and federal officials are taking no chances as the countdown begins for Inauguration Day.
The heightened security comes after a violent siege at the U.S. Capitol last week from pro-Trump supporters that resulted in the death of five people and forced lawmakers into hiding.
The FBI is seeing an extensive amount of concerning online chatter.about a number of events surrounding the inauguration, according to the bureau s director Christopher Wray.
A look at some of the steps being taken to secure the Capitol ahead of weekend protests, Bidenâs inauguration
By Brittany Bowker Globe Staff,Updated January 15, 2021, 8:09 a.m.
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D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is working with law enforcement agencies to step up security measures in Washington ahead of Biden s inauguration ceremony.John McDonnell/The Washington Post
In the wake of the US Capitol riot that led to the death of five individuals, federal officials have warned law enforcement agencies that the siege is likely to inspire others with violent intentions ahead of Wednesdayâs inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.