FBI vets 25,000 National Guard troops ahead of inauguration

UNITED STATES defence officials said they are worried about an insider attack or other threat from service members involved in securing President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, prompting the FBI to vet all of the 25,000 National Guard troops coming into Washington for tomorrow’s event.

The massive undertaking reflects the extraordinary security concerns that have gripped the country’s capital city, following the deadly January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol by pro-Trump rioters. It underscores fears that some of the very people assigned to protect the city over the next several days could present a threat to the incoming president and other VIPs in attendance.

Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said officials are conscious of the potential threat, and he warned commanders to be on the look-out for any problems within their ranks as the inauguration approaches.

Participants in a rehearsal for President-elect Biden’s inauguration were evacuated from the West Front of the Capitol yesterday after a fire in a homeless encampment, officials said. Those who had gathered were directed to a secure location inside the complex. People involved in the rehearsal said security officials yelled “this is not a drill”.

Law enforcement officials said there had been a blaze several blocks away and the rehearsal was evacuated in an abundance of caution.