The Louisiana National Guard has sent approximately 174 soldiers and airmen at the direction of Governor John Bel Edwards, to augment the District of Columbia National Guard to ensure a safe and secure presidential inauguration.
Troops departed Saturday from the Alexandria Airport.
In preparation for the upcoming inauguration and in the wake of recent unrest at the U.S. Capitol, the National Guard Bureau requested support from National Guardsmen from across the states and territories to provide crowd management; traffic control in and around the Capitol, National Mall, and White House; as well as communications, logistical, medical, and public affairs support.
The Louisiana guardsmen who volunteered for the mission comprise of members of units from throughout the state.
Up to 25,000 citizen-soldiers and -airmen from U.S. states and territories are currently authorized to provide security, communications, medical evacuation and other support to civilian authorities throughout the presidential inauguration. The U.S. Secret Service is the lead federal agency responsible for coordinating, planning, and implementing security for the presidential inauguration. The National Guard will provide assistance as requested.
Many National Guard troops are already in Washington, with more than 25,000 due in the city by early next week ahead of the January 20th inauguration, reports the Associated Press.
READ MORE: Guard troops pour into Washington as states answer the call
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