A dozen members of the U.S. Army National Guard were removed from their roles in providing security for Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration due to concerning behavior that authorities deemed questionable. These issues included affiliations with extremist right-wing militias and dubious social media activity, as confirmed by a military official.
In light of the violent events at the Capitol, the FBI is conducting thorough vetting of all 25,000 National Guard personnel stationed in Washington, D.C. this week. Army General Mark Thompson reassured the public, stating that out of such a large force, only 12 individuals were identified for scrutiny, some of whom may not be related to the current situation. “We are diligently reviewing each member of the operation to ensure safety,” he remarked.
Vetting Process and Security Measures
Army Secretary Lisa Reynolds emphasized that there is currently no evidence of a plot against Biden. He mentioned that military leaders have participated in rigorous security drills and that National Guard members are being trained to spot potential internal threats. While some service members were present at the Capitol during the insurrection, it remains uncertain how many were actively involved.
The vetting process includes checking personnel names against FBI databases to detect any past involvement in investigations or terrorism-related activities. The majority of the National Guard members will be armed during the inauguration, which necessitates heightened security measures. The National Guard Bureau directed inquiries to the U.S. Secret Service and stated, “For operational security, specifics of the vetting process are confidential.”
This is not the first instance of a Guard member being reassigned due to safety concerns; previously, an Ohio National Guard member was removed after expressing white supremacist views online. Given the recent Capitol events, the current vetting process is of utmost importance. “This is a national priority. We aim to demonstrate to the nation and the world that we can ensure a safe and peaceful transition of power,” Reynolds stated.
Final Preparations for Inauguration Day
In the final hours leading up to Inauguration Day, the troops are tasked with safeguarding the premises while ensuring they do not engage in any violent actions themselves.
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In summary, the removal of National Guard members from inauguration duties reflects a significant effort to ensure national security following recent violent events. The FBI’s vetting process aims to identify any potential threats among personnel, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the inauguration.