WASHINGTON—The nation’s capital is preparing for a presidential inauguration like no other in U.S. history, marked by extensive security measures, a large military presence, and pandemic restrictions. President-elect Joe Biden is set to be sworn in on Jan. 20.
Up to 25,000 members of the National Guard coming from all 50 states will be stationed at the Capitol. The number of Guardsmen sent to Washington far exceeds the number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, which has been reduced to 2,500. National Guardsmen have been permitted to use lethal force in order to support law enforcement in the Capitol and city.
