In response to rumored attacks on not only the inauguration, but various sites across Washington, a massive security mobilization has already begun that includes as many as 15,000 National Guard troops.
A number of right-wing and militia events have been publicly announced, some for this weekend and some for Wednesday the 20th, the day of the inauguration. One of those includes a goal of encircling the White House, the Capitol, and the Supreme Court building with 4,000 armed individuals, and then arresting and detaining elected officials.
While much of this may only be online bravado, the Secret Service is not taking any chances. In addition to the National Guard troops, the security plan includes thousands of police officers, and layers of eight-foot steel fencing.
With the Secret Service taking lead on the plan, the FBI, National Guard, U.S. Marshalls Service, and other government agencies are included in the preparations.
According to the Washington Post, “Veteran Secret Service and Homeland Security officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share their worries described a level of concern unlike anything in their careers.”
House Democrats were briefed by Capitol Police on the security plans on Monday. From the same Washington Post story: “According to members who were on the briefing call, the threats included promises to execute members of Congress, with the most dangerous coming from a handful of extremist groups. They are surfacing amid calls for a million “MAGA” devotees to flood Washington.”
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