Backup, additional measures in Washington in preparation for the Biden inauguration

Following last week's violent scenes in Capitol, when lawmakers were counting the election votes of presidential elections to determine Mr. Biden's victory, the Secret Service announced on Monday that it would begin special security operations since January 13th instead of the date scheduled for January 19th.

The National Guard confirmed on Monday that it will send up to 15,000 troops to ensure security during the inauguration ceremony. This figure represents a dramatic increase compared to 8,000 troops sent for the inauguration ceremony of President Trump four years ago. In response to a question from Voice of America, Mr. Biden said on Monday that he is not concerned about Inauguration Day.

“I am not worried about taking the oath out (before Capitol),” he said, adding that those “who engage in violent acts against the state and threaten human lives” should be held accountable. Meanwhile, on Monday, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser urged those planning to come to Washington to stay in their cities and attend the ceremony on television, citing incidents last week.

In comments on Monday, Mrs. Bowser said he had sent a letter to President Trump asking him to declare “preparation for emergency situations” for Washington prior to the new president's inauguration ceremony on January 20th. On Monday evening, President Trump approved Washington's mayor's request to declare “preparations for emergency situations” authorising the mobilization of federal resources to ensure security in the capital during the inauguration of the new president.

Mrs. Bowser also wrote to the head of the Department of Homeland Security asking his agency to modify its response in several ways for the inauguration ceremony. Mrs. Bowser has demanded that the period of special security measures being implemented for the inauguration ceremony be extended from January 20th to January 24th. It has demanded that the Department of National Security co-ordinate the delocation of a security force that will be tasked with protecting federal objects.

The mayor has also demanded that the Defence and Justice Departments be included in these measures, including Congress and the Supreme Court. She said this is done to enable Washington police to focus on protecting order in Washington's town. Mrs. Bowser has also asked the Department of National Riches that gives permission for public activities in Washington's parks and squares not to give permission for gatherings until after January 24th.

Mrs. Bowser said a similar statement in preparation for an emergency situation had been issued in 2009 prior to President Obama's inauguration. The mayor highlighted the <x0) new threats for acts by domestic terrorists” in her letter. The Washington capital administration authorities have no competence over the territory where Capitol is located and other federal institutions. / VOA