Texas Gov. Greg Abbot (R) said Monday (Jan. 19) that he found it “offensive” that the FBI vetted members of the National Guard, including those who went from Texas, for Biden’s swearing-in on Wednesday.
“This is the most offensive thing I’ve ever heard,” tweeted Republican Gov. Abbott. “No one can question the loyalty or professionalism of the Texas National Guard.”
“I authorized over 1,000 people to enter Washington, D.C.,” he wrote. “If they disrespect people like that, I will never do it again.”
The deadly riot at the Capitol earlier this month led city officials to take drastic measures to ensure the security of the inauguration. And about 25,000 National Guard troops were dispatched to the capital, including about 1,000 members from Texas.
U.S. defense officials said they are concerned about insider attacks or other threats from service members involved in the inauguration, prompting the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to review all National Guardsmen participating in the Washington, D.C., event.
Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told The Associated Press that officials are aware of the potential threat and are warning commanders to be alert to any problems in their ranks as the inauguration approaches.
McCarthy said, “We’re going through that process on an ongoing basis with a second and third review of everyone assigned to the operation.” However, he and other leaders said they have not seen any evidence of a threat, and officials noted that the reviews have not revealed any problems they perceive.
Acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller said in a statement Monday (Jan. 18) that the Defense Department also has not received any intelligence indicating a potential insider threat. He added that the department “does not leave anything to chance when it comes to securing the capital.
Miller said, “This type of review is normally performed by law enforcement agencies after a major security incident. But in this case, the level of military involvement on this scale is extraordinary.”
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