Mass. National Guard among troops to protect Washington, D.C. during inauguration

BOSTON — Vice President Mike Pence turned out to thank National Guard troops protecting the U.S. Capitol.

“This is an historic transfer of power, the inauguration of a new president of the United States, and you are all going to make that possible,” said Pence.

The troops are expected to number upwards of 10,000 to 20,000 strong and will be in Washington D.C. this weekend and through the inauguration.

“Thank you all for stepping forward to serve your country. thank you for stepping forward to provide security here in our nation’s capital at such an important time in the life of our nation,” said Pence.

A contingent of up to 500 Massachusetts National Guard members will soon join them, according to Gov. Charlie Baker.

“We will be sending guard personnel to Washington D.C. as part of the force they are putting together for the inaugural activities,” Baker said.

The governor is also activating 500 more guardsmen to assist if needed to protect the State House and support police starting this weekend.

The beefed up security is a response to an F.B.I. bulletin warning that peaceful but armed protests could take place in all 50 state capitals and Washington D.C. starting this weekend through the inauguration on Jan. 20.

“I think it is incredibly important for the country that this transition be smooth and uneventful as possible,” said Baker.

Boston 25 has learned that the Massachusetts National Guard is still in the process of calling up troops.

It’s unclear when they will depart for Washington but will be there to join thousands of other Guard members from across the country already protecting the nation’s capital.

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