After last week’s storming of the Capitol by a mob of President Donald Trump supporters, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has activated approximately 200 members of the Illinois National Guard to help provide support during next week’s presidential inauguration in Washington.
“Supporting the presidential inauguration is a great opportunity for the Illinois National Guard to be part of history and represent the state of Illinois,” said Maj. Gen. Richard Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard, in a statement. “Our Soldiers and Airmen are highly trained and I have full confidence in their abilities to support local and federal agencies as needed.”
According to a press release, approximately 100 Illinois Army National Guard Military Police soldiers from the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade’s 33rd Military Police Battalion will be part of the group activated for the inauguration.
Approximately 45 Security Forces Airmen from the 183rd Wing in Springfield will also be activated, along with the Air Refueling Wing based at Scott Air Force Base and the 182nd Airlift Wing.
Another 30 airmen from the Air National Guard will be activated “to provide communication, logistics and religious support,” according to the release.
“In the wake of the incident at the Capitol, ensuring a peaceful transfer of power is of the utmost importance,” Pritzker said in a social media post. “The Illinois National Guard is renowned for exemplary soldiers and airmen, and I’m proud to have about 200 members represent Illinois during the upcoming presidential inauguration.”
National Guard soldiers from around the country will be deployed to Washington after President Trump declared a state of emergency in the city. Reports of further violent demonstrations have popped up in the aftermath of the riots in the Capitol, including threats of armed actions in all 50 state capitals.
