After Several National Guard Members Removed From Inauguration Duty, Reed Affirms Support for National Guard

Statement

Today, after it was reported that several members of the U.S. National Guard are being removed from the security mission to secure Joe Biden's presidential inauguration due to ties to fringe militia elements, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:

"I am grateful to the men and women of the National Guard. These citizen-soldiers come from all across the country and across the political spectrum. Every one of them volunteered and they all make tremendous sacrifices to keep our country safe. Our National Guardsmen and women are a source of great pride, strength, and security. I have tremendous faith in them and abiding admiration for their service.

"Any time you have a mission of this nature, and especially in the wake of horrific political violence the nation was subjected to, you have to have appropriate screening measures in place.

"I have spoken directly to General Milley and General Hokanson. They rightfully noted that any extremism is unacceptable within the National Guard, and that there are standard practices for vetting for deployments to support security events in the Capitol region, which are being rigorously applied for the inauguration. The fact that individuals have been flagged and removed shows how seriously they are taking this matter.

"The National Guard is an essential protective force. If there were a lone wolf attack or another violent assault on the U.S. Capitol, members of the National Guard would likely be the first ones to stop it.

"These men and women put their lives on hold to answer the call to service. They will defend the U.S. Capitol with their lives and I trust them implicitly with mine.

"The National Guard's slogan is "Always ready, always there." Since the outbreak of COVID-19, they have more than lived up to that commitment and we will need them even more in the months ahead.

"As citizens, every one of them is entitled to their personal political views consistent with the Constitution. As a professional, all-volunteer force, they must be able to put personal views aside to accomplish their mission.

"The military, law enforcement, and other institutions must confront and root out radicalized extremists and those with ties to hate groups from within the ranks.

"The National Guard is making a concerted effort to do just that. I salute them and the courageous National Guard members for all they have contributed and will continue to do to protect our nation and the communities they serve."

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