Did National Guard members removed from inauguration have ties to right-wing militias? Two pulled from mission
On Tuesday, it was reported that two US Army National Guard members who had been a part of the security mission have been relieved of their service. According to media reports, it had come to light that the two of them were connected to fringe right-wing group militias. According to Associated Press, the National Guard Bureau referred questions to the U.S. Secret Service when asked about the members and said, “Due to operational security, we do not discuss the process nor the outcome of the vetting process for military members supporting the inauguration.” On Monday, when the Secret Service was asked about security detail being pulled because of operational security reasons, they hadn't responded.
It was also reported that about 25,000 National Guard troops deployed to secure the inauguration festivities had to go through background searches. After the Capitol Riots, security is a concern that the secret service must keep in mind, especially with supporters of Donald Trump who have already begun discussing different ways in which they could possibly protest the inauguration ceremony which would mark the start of President-elect Joe Biden's administration.
The other ways in which security around the Capitol had been tightened include a seven-foot, non-scalable fence, which has been erected around the Capitol. The crowd capacity had already been brought down because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and the security threat only further added to this as the number has gone down further. Despite the increasing concerns, it has been reported that Biden has promised to keep with tradition and take the oath of office outdoors.
As a tribute to 191,500 Americans who will not be able to attend Biden's inauguration, a 'Field of flags' lit up at National Mall. The 'Field of flags' has included about 191,500 US flags and 56 pillars to represent the 50 states and US territories. The Presidential Inaugural Committee illuminated the flags ahead of the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States of America.
Speaking of the inauguration, Pili Tobar, the communications director for the Presidential Inaugural Committee, said, "The inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris represents the beginning of a new national journey. However, in the midst of a pandemic – when so many Americans are grieving the loss of family, friends, and neighbors – it is important that we honor those who have died, reflect on what has been one of the more challenging periods in the nation’s history, and renew our commitment to coming together to end the pandemic and rebuild our nation."