“Due to operational security, we do not discuss the process nor the outcome of the vetting process for military members supporting the inauguration,” according to the National Guard.
However, there there is assurance, that no plot against President-elect Biden was found so far.
On Monday, Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller said there is “no intelligence indicating an insider threat” on Wednesday’s event.
“As is normal for military support to large security events, the Department will vet National Guardsmen who are in Washington, DC. While we have no intelligence indicating an insider threat, we are leaving no stone unturned in securing the capital,” Miller wrote. “This type of vetting often takes place by law enforcement for significant security events. However, in this case, the scope of military participation is unique.”
National Guard members go through enhanced background checks
Separately, Major General William Walker told ABC’s “Good Morning America” that the National Guard members go through a screening process before leaving their state. He pointed out, “They’re repeatedly screened until they are actually put on the street.”
Walker did not give details on the screening process if it included specific questions about the members’ beliefs about the legitimacy of the election.
However, he told reporters they are carrying out enhanced background screening.
“No, it’s all about the background. So, a regular background check is enhanced with more screening, more details and it’s layered so the FBI is part of it, the Secret Service is part of it and once they are certain that there’s no insider threat then that soldier, guardsman, or airman is given a credential,” he said.
“There is no place for extremism in the military and we will investigate each report individually and take appropriate action,” said a cryptic statement from an Army Spokesperson, not indicating what ‘appropriate action’ would include.
