The FBI will assess troops for fear of an internal attack on Biden

Washington – US defense officials are concerned about a possible internal attack or other threat from troops participating in security during the inauguration of the president-elect Joe Biden, for which the FBI will examine each of the 25,000 National Guard soldiers who will be coming to Washington for the event.

The massive undertaking reflects the extraordinary security concerns that have gripped Washington in the aftermath of the deadly January 6 uprising against the federal Capitol by pro-president protesters. Donald Trump. And it points to fears that some of the same people who must protect the city in the coming days could pose a threat to the president-to-be and other prominent figures in the public.

Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told The Associated Press on Sunday that authorities are aware of the potential threat and are warning commanders to keep an eye out for any problems in their ranks as the inauguration approaches. However, so far, he and other leaders say they have not seen any evidence of threats, and officials said their reviews have found nothing wrong.

“We are constantly evaluating the process, taking a second and third look at each of the individuals assigned to this operation,” McCarthy said in an interview after he and other military leaders conducted an extensive three-hour security drill in preparation. for the inauguration on Wednesday. He said members of the Guard are also being trained to identify potential internal threats.