Washington (CNN) - More than 20,000 National Guard members could be in the nation's capital to help secure President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, as sources tell CNN that officials are considering raising the terrorism threat level and are worried about explosives being used in the capital city.

Multiple defense officials tell CNN that the total request for National Guard is close to 30,000 guardsmen to support US Capitol Police, Park Police and Washington Metropolitan Police Department but officials believe that the actual number needed is closer to 20,000. The final numbers will be provided by the Secret Service

The officials added that there is no concern that there will be any shortage of Guard forces to meet requirements from the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The more than 20,000 National Guard members expected for Biden's inauguration is more than three times the number of active duty US troops currently in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria combined, a staggering statistic that underscores just how massive the security presence will be.

The Defense Department is meeting Trump's January 15 deadline to draw down the number of troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan to 2,500 in each country, according to the Pentagon. About 900 US troops will remain in Syria, multiple defense officials said.
Biden has given no indication of wanting other than a small number of troops in Afghanistan for counterterrorism missions.

The numbers of US personnel in both Iraq and Afghanistan are likely higher officials said because hundreds of contractors provide services to the military in both countries.

20,000 National Guard troops expected to be in Washington for inauguration

https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/13/politics/inauguration-security-us-secret-service-washington/index.html

"If you need that much protection from the people, then obviously you were not voted for by the people!"