Biden's Inauguration: Twelve National Guards removed from security

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Members of the National Guard gather at a security checkpoint near the U.S. Capitol prior to the 59th opening ceremony

Photo: OLIVIER DOULIERY / AFP

Shortly before the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden, the US authorities tightened security for the ceremony.

After the storming of the US Capitol, the FBI controlled the soldiers who were supposed to secure Biden's inauguration on January 20th.

One day before the change of power, twelve national guards have been removed from the security mission.

Two US officials said some of them have been linked to right wing militias or have expressed extremist views themselves online.

There was no threat to President-elect Joe Biden, they said.

The officers, a senior intelligence officer and an army officer familiar with the matter did not say what fringe group the members of the Guard belonged to or what unit they served.

They are not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to the Associated Press news agency on condition of anonymity.

A total of 25,000 soldiers are to secure the inauguration of Biden and are being examined by the FBI for possible connections to the rioters on January 6th.

After the forcible entry into the capitol, indications of some rioters' links with the U.S.

As reported by the Washington Post, 21 of the participants in the action had a military background.

Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller said in a statement Monday that the screening of National Guard forces continues and that the Pentagon has so far found no evidence that would suggest an inside threat.

The Secret Service tightened security in and around the Capitol a few days earlier than usual.

The city center is essentially cordoned off, with blocked roads, tall fences, and tens of thousands of soldiers and law enforcement officers stationed in the area.

Joe Biden is scheduled to take over the office of 46th US President on January 20.

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kim / AP / Reuters