The Tennessee National Guard will send troops to Washington, D.C. for the Presidential Inauguration. The measure is in concert with increased security preparations spurred on by the Capitol Hill riot and current reports of planned protests nationwide.
According to reports, the Tennessee National Guard will supplement additional personnel to include communications specialists, chaplain support, and Military Police.
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf announced that the U.S. Secret Service would assume control over inauguration security preparations. The decision marked one of his final acts prior to stepping down from his position on Monday.
Additionally, internal sources within the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) reportedly received intelligence that armed protests were being coordinated for all 50 state capitals. According to the FBI’s internal bulletin, the protestors would “storm” government buildings in every state on Inauguration Day, and if President Donald Trump were to be removed from office or impeached prior to the inauguration.
“The FBI received information about an identified armed group intending to travel to Washington, D.C. on 16 January,” read the bulletin. “They have warned that if Congress attempts to remove POTUS via the 25th Amendment, a huge uprising will occur.”
The Tennessee Star reached out to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration committee spokespersons regarding the calls for heightened security due to the Capitol Hill riot. They didn’t respond by press time.
National Guard Bureau chief General Daniel Hokanson stated that at least 10,000 guard members would be deployed by Saturday, with potentially 5,000 additional troops brought in if needed.
For the inauguration of President Donald Trump in 2017, the Tennessee National Guard deployed over 330 soldiers and airmen. Amongst those sent to the Capitol were supply and maintenance personnel, public affairs representatives, medical professionals, and technicians.
Notwithstanding the circulating threats necessitating increased security, Biden is expected to be inaugurated on January 20.
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Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and the Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Tennessee National Guard” by The National Guard. CC BY 2.0.
Why weren’t troops called in over the past 8 months in cities that were being looted and burned to the ground and innocent citizens being attacked and harassed? Hmmmmm…….