59th Presidential Inaguration : Massive security in place; National Guards being deployed

59th Presidential Inaguration : Massive security in place; National Guards being deployed

WASHINGTON: Massive  security paraphernalia has been mounted in the United States ahead of the Inauguartion ceremony for the anointmentof the 59th President on January 20 .The security has beenm beefed up across the country in the wake of security threat perceptions after the January 6 violence at the capitol building by  the outgoing Pesident Donlad Trump supporters.

Tension is palpable across the country after graphic details of violence scenes on TV screens and impeachment of the President for”inciting violence as an act of insurrection”.  Five people , including a police officer, were left dead and scores othere  injured on the day the electoral college was voting to endorse Joe Biden’s victory in the US polls in Nov,last year.

According to official sources, –The US Defense Department has agreed to provide up to 25,000 service members to support the Presidential Inauguration National Special Security Event federal law enforcement mission and security preparations, as led by the U.S. Secret Service. The Department of the Army and the National Guard Bureau are working on a sourcing solution now to support this request.

Every state, territory and the District of Columbia will have National Guard men and women supporting the inauguration.

As of this morning- Jan15 more than 33,400 National Guard members are supporting homeland operations at the direction of their governors. The current number includes activations for COVID-19 and civil disturbance missions. Additionally, National Guard soldiers and airmen from all 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia will be supporting law enforcement in D.C. for the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

Presently, there are more than 66,900 Guard men and women engaged in homeland and overseas missions. More than 21,600 National Guard professionals continue COVID-19 response efforts at the direction of their governors in all 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia.

“Our National Guard soldiers and airmen are set around the city to protect our nation’s Capital. At the same time we have thousands around the country supporting COVID operations, Operation Warp Speed, and a multitude of soldiers and airmen are deployed overseas supporting combat operations,” Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau said. “I would especially like to thank the families who are maybe alone tonight, and let you know our nation greatly appreciates all your sacrifices, and those of your service member. I cannot be prouder to be part of this organization.”

With nearly 440,000 soldiers and airmen across 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia, the National Guard has a deep bench of experience and capabilities to call upon. At the National Guard’s historic activation peak on June 6, 2020, roughly 120,000 Guard members were engaged worldwide.