MONTGOMERY, Ala — The Alabama National Guard has activated approximately 250 soldiers in support of the 59th Presidential Inauguration, the governor's office said on Thursday.
These soldiers were activated in response to a request from the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, General Daniel R. Hokanson.
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The halls of the U.S. Capitol have been filled with National Guard troops following a riot at the Capitol building on January 6. With the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on January 20, 15,000 Guard members are expected to be on duty in Washington.
The District of Columbia National Guard said it has been authorized to arm troops that are assigned to security duty on the U.S. Capitol grounds.
The inauguration is designated as a “national special security event," which clears the way for communication, funding and preparation between multiple agencies in Washington, like the Capitol Police, Pentagon, Homeland Security and District-area police.
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