Name: National Guard Bolsters Washington, D.C., Troop Levels to at Least 10,000
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National Guard Bolsters Washington, D.C., Troop Levels to at Least 10,000

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ByandU.S. officials ordered thousands of extra National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., by the weekend as part of new security measures that include halting public tours of the Washington Monument, as authorities warn of armed protests in the nation’s capital and across the country in coming days. The signs of new security concerns ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20 follow last week’s attack on the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob that sought to stop Congress from certifying Mr. Biden’s electoral victory....U.S. officials ordered thousands of extra National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., by the weekend as part of new security measures that include halting public tours of the Washington Monument, as authorities warn of armed protests in the nation’s capital and across the country in coming days.The signs of new security concerns ahead of President-elect’sinauguration on Jan. 20 follow last week’s by a pro-Trump mob that sought to stop Congress from certifying Mr. Biden’s electoral victory.The Federal Bureau of Investigation circulated an internal memo at all 50 state capitols and in Washington before Inauguration Day, according to an official.The National Guard’s top officer said he would increase the number of Guard troops in Washington to at least 10,000 by Saturday—up from a planned 6,200—to bolster security. And the National Park Service, citing continuing danger from violent groups, said Monday that it had closed facilities, parking areas and roadways and is restricting access to the Washington Monument.FBI officials are preparing to brief lawmakers Tuesday for the first time about the attack that , as security officials in Washington and elsewhere by some of President Trump’s supporters.The Site Intelligence Group, which tracks extremist threats online, said in a report over the weekend that .Others online are touting a Million Militia March in Washington on Inauguration Day, according to screenshots provided byMeili Criezis,a research associate tracking violent extremism at American University.Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson,who is in charge of the National Guard Bureau, said in a news briefing Monday that he is ordering at least 10,000 National Guard troops to Washington to boost security in advance of the inauguration, adding that troop levels could rise to 15,000.He didn’t specify which states the Guard members would come from, whether they would be armed or the details of their mission.The additional deployments represent an increase from the roughly 6,200 troops from six states who began to arrive in response to Wednesday’s deadly attack, which followed while lawmakers were meeting there to certify electoral votes.The bolstered Guard force would be larger than contingents at past inaugurations.The decision to add more Guardsmen came after military planners and local law enforcement evaluated their planned security posture and discussed how many more troops could be deployed.Gen. Hokanson said the U.S. Park Police, Secret Service and Capitol Police asked for additional forces, which led to a new analysis of the U.S. National Guard posture and, subsequently, to approving more troops.After Wednesday’s deadly assault on the Capitol, Acting Defense SecretaryChris Millerformally approved deploying Guardsmen from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia and Maryland. The first of those arrived Thursday morning and are currently securing the perimeter around the Capitol and conducting other logistical support.Officials didn’t provide details behind the FBI’s warning about potential armed protests.The increased security measures come after and coordinate an effective response to last week’s assault as it spiraled beyond their control. Lawmakers and local officials said they had exhorted security officials for help, which was slow in arriving.Jeffrey P. Reinbold,superintendent of U.S. memorial parks and the National Mall, said steps to heighten security at the Washington Monument and other areas were taken in response to credible threats to visitors and park resources.“Groups involved in the January 6, 2021 riots at the US Capitol continue to threaten to disrupt the 59th presidential inauguration on January 20, 2021,” Mr. Reinbold said in a statement.“This includes the set up and execution of inaugural events, which occur in several park areas.”Also Monday, the acting Department of Homeland Security secretary,Chad Wolf,expanded the time that a “national special security event” for the inauguration would be in effect, beginning the time period for enhanced federal security measures on Wednesday, rather than on Jan. 19.Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser requested such a step in a letter to Mr. Wolf on Saturday.She also requested that the Department of the Interior deny any request for a permit for public gatherings during the period. Interior officials didn’t respond to a request for comment.Mr. Wolf announced the expanded special security measures in apost Monday afternoon, just before he . Mr. Trump last week withdrew Mr. Wolf’s nomination to become DHS secretary, which forced him to step down from his role as acting secretary.In his , Mr. Wolf cited the “events of last week and the evolving security landscape leading up to the inauguration.”The expansion of the special security period was requested by Secret Service Director James Murray, Mr. Wolf said.—Rachael Levy and Sadie Gurman contributed to this article.Write to Nancy A. Youssef at and Gordon Lubold atBack to TopTHANKS FOR READINGThe Wall Street JournalContinue Reading Your Article With a WSJ Membership{{{message}}}

ByandU.S. officials ordered thousands of extra National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., by the weekend as part of new security measures that include halting public tours of the Washington Monument, as authorities warn of armed protests in the nation’s capital and across the country in coming days. The signs of new security concerns ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20 follow last week’s attack on the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob that sought to stop Congress from certifying Mr. Biden’s electoral victory....U.S. officials ordered thousands of extra National Guard...

National Guard Bolsters Washington, D.C., Troop Levels to at Least 10,000

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