MD National Guard Is Ready To Protect Inauguration: Hogan

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Gov. Larry Hogan said the Maryland National Guard is ready to protect the inauguration. On Monday, Hogan visited soldiers in Washington, D.C., where ranking military officials briefed him on their security strategies.

"The State of Maryland will do everything we can to protect the transition of power," Hogan said in a press release. "I am looking forward to attending the ceremonies on Wednesday to represent the people of Maryland."

The state's troops will defend the U.S. Capitol, U.S. Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress in support of the U.S. Capitol Police. Maryland resident and Brigadier General Janeen L. Birckhead is the commander of the entire operation. Within three days of their arrival, Maryland's soldiers coordinated the efforts of 20 other states.

Hogan deployed the troops on Jan. 6 after a mob stormed the Capitol. The violent group overran security and tried to block Congress from confirming Joe Biden as president-elect.

The rioters were unsuccessful. Biden will take office Wednesday at noon.

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Though the National Guard helped restore order, Hogan extended their mission in Washington until the end of the month. He hopes to avoid another deadly clash, like the scuffle that killed at least four people, prompted dozens of arrests and fostered the impeachment of President Donald Trump.

Maryland has 500 guard members in the nation's capital. That's on top of the 200 soldiers giving coronavirus vaccines back home.

The governor also sent 200 troopers from the Maryland State Police to help out earlier this month. Additionally, the Montgomery County Police Department and Prince George's County Police Department commissioned officers to ease the unrest two weeks ago.

"We continue to work closely with allied law enforcement and federal partners to support the inauguration," Hogan said in his release.

With the swearing-in less than 24 hours away, officials are still worried about potential threats and insider attacks.

Two guard members from an unknown state were removed from their details, the Associated Press reported Tuesday. Each soldier was connected with a right-wing militia group, U.S. Army officials confirmed. The duo represents only a tiny fraction of the 25,000 troops who are currently fortifying the city.

The concerns continue in every state capital, where the FBI warned of possible armed protests ahead of the inauguration. Maryland leaders said there is no apparent threat to the statehouse, but police boosted their defense just in case.

"The mob may have shattered glass, but they did not and they will not shatter our democracy," Hogan said the day after the attack on the Capitol.

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