National Guard officials say more than two dozen states have indicated they would be willing to send Guard troops to Washington if requested in the weeks following the presidential election and in the runup to the inauguration.

Summary

Over two dozen states have indicated their willingness to send National Guard troops to Washington for the presidential election and inauguration, following the violence of the 2021 Capitol riot.

While D.C. has not formally requested assistance, officials are preparing for potential unrest, reminiscent of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, when 25,000 Guard troops secured the area.

Some states have activated Guard members for cybersecurity support, with others on standby.

Heightened security concerns are fueled by Trump’s unproven claims of election fraud. Guard support for inaugurations is traditional but may be elevated due to current tensions.