Thousands of troops out to Biden inauguration

National Guard troops poured into nation's capital on Saturday, as goverrs answered urgent pleas of U.S. defense officials for more troops to help safeguard Washington even as y keep anxious eyes on possible violent protests in ir own states.

Military leaders spent chunks of Thursday evening and Friday calling states in an unprecedented appeal for more National Guard troops to help lock down much of city in days before President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration. In dribs and drabs, goverrs responded, some agreeing to send an extra dozen, 100 or even 1,000, while ors said .

calls reflect fears that violent extremist groups are targeting city in wake of deadly insurrection at U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.  threats range from armed insurgents to possible attempts to plant explosive devices at so-called soft targets.

But as Washington begins to resemble an armed camp, with more than 25,000 Guard due in city by early next week, concerns about violence at state capitals has grown.