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Law Enforcement Boosts Defenses Around US Capitol

Masood Farivar

   Six days before the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden,
   officials are tightening security in Washington, D.C., for what is
   expected to be a solemn ceremony shorn of the usual crowds following
   last week's deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of
   President Donald Trump.

   Law enforcement authorities say they are confident of maintaining
   safety during the event, despite warnings about further violence in
   Washington and around the country. The National Guard Bureau said
   Thursday that nearly 7,000 Guardsmen are already in the nation's
   capital and more are en route toward a planned deployment of up to
   21,000 troops.

   The Guardsmen will be backed by hundreds of federal agents and local
   and state police officers. Four years ago, the Guard deployed about
   8,000 soldiers for Trump's inauguration.

   "I'm confident these members of the Guard will assist in any way they
   can to help maintain peace and security in our nation's capital in the
   days ahead," Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement.

   Wisconsin is mobilizing about 500 National Guard troops to assist with
   inauguration security in the Washington region.

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