WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) – As a result of the storming of the Capitol, the security measures before the inauguration of the new US President Joe Biden will be tightened again. The National Guard will gather up to 15,000 soldiers in the capital Washington to support the local security forces around the event on January 20, the chief of the force, General Daniel Hokanson, said on Monday in an interview with the news channel CNN.
The Ministry of Homeland Security said that in view of the latest events, the security service responsible for protecting the President, the Secret Service, will begin an intensified deployment phase as early as Wednesday. Originally, the large-scale operation, combined with the closure of parts of downtown Washington, should not begin until January 19. In doing so, the ministry complied with a request from the mayor of the capital, Muriel Bowser. At a press conference on Monday, the Democrat called on all foreigners not to travel to Washington because of the complicated security situation for Biden’s inauguration.
Meanwhile, several US media reported, citing an internal warning from the FBI to the security forces, that armed and violent protests could occur around Biden’s inauguration in the capitals of all states. An armed group wanted to travel to Washington on Saturday, according to a report by broadcaster ABC in the memo.
Supporter of the outgoing President Donald Trump had stormed the Capitol last Wednesday. The security forces were unable to cope with the onslaught of the partly violent demonstrators. After the Capitol was stormed, the National Guard was mobilized. A good 6,000 soldiers are currently deployed. A new security fence was also erected around the Capitol ./jbz/DP/he
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