United States: Up To 15,000 National Guard Troops Mobilized For Biden’s Inauguration

The Pentagon said Monday it had authorized the deployment of 15,000 National Guard troops to Washington for the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Joe Biden on January 20, in order to avoid further violence after the assault on Capitol Hill.

Some 6,200 soldiers are already present in the federal capital and they will be 10,000 this weekend, General Daniel Hokanson said during a press briefing by telephone. About 5,000 additional soldiers will be able to join them for the oath of the Democrat.

For now, their mission is limited to support security, logistics, liaison, & communication missions to the local police and they will only be allowed “as a last resort” should the situation get out of hand.

Call to demonstrate

The Pentagon came under fire for delaying the deployment of the National Guard on Wednesday, Jan.6 when supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol, wreaking havoc and violence within the temple of American democracy.

According to General Hokanson, “the level of violence” of the demonstrators “had not been anticipated”.

New calls for demonstrations on January 17 began circulating as early as last week on social media to forestall this, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser extended the state of emergency until January 20 to be able to reinstate quickly curfew if the need arises.

On Monday, she called on Americans “not to come to Washington for the 59th investiture ceremony on January 20 and participate in it virtually.”