FBI vets National Guard ahead of Biden inauguration amid fears of 'insider threat': Report

After shocking violence at US Capitol earlier this month, amid fears of unrest on President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on January 20, tens and thousands of security personnel from National Guard and law enforcement ncies have descended in Washington. US Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy has told Associated Press on January 17 that officials are ‘conscious of potential threat’ and has even warned commanders to remain vigilant for any issues within ir ranks as day when Biden will be sworn-in approaches. FBI has also been reportedly vetting National Guard troops amid fears of ‘insider attack’.

However, McCarthy and or leaders have reportedly said that y have t yet seen any evidence of threats but officials said vetting had t lagged any new issue. But, McCarthy said that security officials are going to continue ir work. Meanwhile, as per report, he along with or military leaders were subjected to a three-hour-long security drill in preparation for Wednesday’s inauguration. Mccarthy reportedly said that National Guard members are also being trained on how to identify potential insider threats.

“We’re continually going through process, and taking second, third looks at every one of individuals assigned to this operation,” McCarthy said.

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Security ramped up in Washington 

As per report, at least 25,000 members of National Guard have steamed into Washington from across United States which is also at least two and a half times number of previous president’s inauguration. Multiple officials have even said that process had begun more than a week ago when first Guard troops were deployed to DC which is set to be completed by Wednesday. Meanwhile, along with routine military review of service members with extremist connections, FBI is reportedly also screening in addition to any previous monitoring.

“ question is, is that all of m? Are re ors?” said McCarthy. “We need to be conscious of it and we need to put all of mechanisms in place to thoroughly vet se men and women who would support any operations like this.”

Insider threats have been a persistent issue for law enforcement in US after September 11, 2001 attacks. However, in most cases, threats include ones from homegrown insurgents that are radicalised by terror groups such as al-Qaida. But, in contrast, this time, law enforcement is in a caution against protesters that support outvoted US President Donald Trump fueled by his baseless claims of voter fraud in vember elections.

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