Acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller said in a statement on Monday that the Department of Defense had received no intelligence indicating a potential internal threat to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on January 20.
However, Miller added that the department “is leaving no stone unturned in the security of the capital”, noting that all National Guards sent to Washington, DC will be examined.
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- The announcement came after defense officials expressed concern about the potential for an internal attack, following a Capitol riot on January 6.
- The FBI warned in a memo earlier this month about potential plans for protests staged in all 50 state capitals that could take place before, on and after Inauguration Day.
“This type of verification usually takes place by applying the law for significant security events. However, in this case, the scope of military participation is unique, ”said Miller. “The DC National Guard is also providing additional training to service members when they arrive in DC, who if they see or hear something that is not appropriate, they should report to their chain of command. We appreciate the FBI’s support in helping with this task and for each of the more than 25,000 guards who responded to their nation’s call and quickly moved to the [National Capital Region]. “
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