Joe Biden's vow: National Guard Bay, Washington in War

Washington awaits January 20th, the day of American President-elect Joe Biden's oath, with a calm similar to that before the storm.

Shops, banks and hotels have started covering windows with wooden panels. Police have closed several roads, foreign media say, where only military-type trucks pass. While the city's main arteries are filled with police patrols. Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced the state of emergency for 15 days. Authorities and police are on alert especially after FBI warnings that on January 20th, there may be armed attacks on Capitol Hill and on the parliamentary headquarters of 50 American states, the TCh reports.

The National Guard soldiers are staying in Congress building day and night, as they clearly witness their photos sleeping inside the building. The Pentagon and governors of Maryland and Virginia have sent about 15 thousand soldiers to the capital, a contingent similar to that of a war zone. Law enforcement agencies that have the duty to ensure security during the Biden inauguration ceremony are determined not to allow repeat chaos and violence registered a week ago in the Capitol.

For several weeks, authorities have been monitoring activity on digital platforms of right-wing extremists, who called for an attack on the Capitol on January 6th. Now they have turned their attention to individuals with plans to organise violent protests.