12 National Guard Members Removed From Inauguration Duty, 2 for ‘Inappropriate' Posts
The FBI is working to vet all 25,000 National Guard troops in D.C. amid growing security concerns of an insider attack following the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol
About a dozen national guard members sent to D.C. to protect the inauguration are being relieved of that duty. Federal officials have been vetting thousands of National Guard members over fears of an insider attack. News4’s Mark Segraves has the latest details on those background checks.
Pentagon officials say 12 Army National Guard members have been removed from securing President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration after vetting by the FBI, including two who posted and texted extremist views about Wednesday’s event.
There was no specific threat to Biden.
Two U.S. officials told The Associated Press that all 12 were found to have ties to right-wing militia groups or posted extremist views online. The officials, a senior intelligence official and an Army official briefed on the matter, did not say which fringe group the Guard members belonged to or what unit they served in. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.
Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard, confirmed Tuesday that the Guard members had been removed and sent home but said only two were for inappropriate comments or texts related to the inauguration. The other 10 were for other potential issues that may involve previous criminal activity, but not directly related to the inaugural event.
The officials told the AP they had all been removed because of “security liabilities.”
One troop was removed after fellow troops brought their comments to the attention of Guard officers, Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said. Another was pulled out after an anonymous tip.
Ten troops were pulled out during the vetting process “for a number of different reasons,” including for matters that could potentially be flagged in criminal background checks, Hoffman said.
It’s unclear whether they will face discipline when they return home.
Experts agree the overwhelming majority of officers and service members are loyal to their oath, but the handful who may be compromised are raising concern. The News4 I-Team’s Jodie Fleischer reports.
A total of 25,000 National Guard troops were actively supporting D.C. and the effort to secure the inauguration as of Tuesday morning, officials told NBC News.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said Tuesday that National Guard members must be vetted.
“It’s prudent to make sure that they are being vetted, and anyone who cannot pledge allegiance to their mission and may be pulled by other views needs to not only be removed from this duty — they need to be removed from the Guard.”
Contacted by the AP on Tuesday, the National Guard Bureau referred questions to the U.S. Secret Service and said, “Due to operational security, we do not discuss the process nor the outcome of the vetting process for military members supporting the inauguration.”
The Secret Service told the AP on Monday it would not comment on if any National Guard members had been pulled from securing the inauguration for operational security reasons.
(Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
UNITED STATES – JANUARY 13: Workers install heavy glass around the podium where President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in, during preparations for the inauguration on the West Front of the Capitol on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
(Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
UNITED STATES – JANUARY 13: A worker steams an American flag bunting under the podium where President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in, during preparations for the inauguration on the West Front of the Capitol on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 17: DC Police on bikes ride past Black Lives Matter plaza on January 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. After last week’s riots at the U.S. Capitol Building, the FBI has warned of additional threats in the nation’s capital and in all 50 states. According to reports, as many as 25,000 National Guard soldiers will be guarding the city as preparations are made for the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th U.S. President. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 17: National Guard Citizen-soldiers stand guard downtown on January 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. After last week’s riots at the U.S. Capitol Building, the FBI has warned of additional threats in the nation’s capital and in all 50 states. According to reports, as many as 25,000 National Guard soldiers will be guarding the city as preparations are made for the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th U.S. President. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 17: A National Guard Lieutenant speaks with Guard Citizen-soldiers during a meeting downtown on January 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. After last week’s riots at the U.S. Capitol Building, the FBI has warned of additional threats in the nation’s capital and in all 50 states. According to reports, as many as 25,000 National Guard soldiers will be guarding the city as preparations are made for the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th U.S. President. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 17: A National Guard Lieutenant speaks with Guard Citizen-soldiers during a meeting downtown on January 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. After last week’s riots at the U.S. Capitol Building, the FBI has warned of additional threats in the nation’s capital and in all 50 states. According to reports, as many as 25,000 National Guard soldiers will be guarding the city as preparations are made for the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th U.S. President. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Pete Kiehart/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Pedestrians stop to take photographs of police and members of the National Guard outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021. A bulletin this week from the FBI and other agencies warned that extremists may exploit the aftermath of the Capitol breach by conducting attacks to destabilize and force a larger conflict in the U.S. Photographer: Pete Kiehart/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 14: A sign welcoming the new President and Vice President is displayed on a building near Freedom Plaza on January 14, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential Inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Xinhua/Ting Shen via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 15, 2021 — National Guard soldiers are seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 14, 2021. U.S. President Donald Trump on Jan. 11 approved an emergency declaration for Washington, D.C., effective through Jan. 24, covering the date of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua via Getty)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 14: Kyriaki Chris, of Virginia, waves a Biden-Harris flag near the Lincoln Memorial on January 14, 2021 in Washington, DC. Due to security concerns, the National Mall will be closed on Inauguration Day, as people are encouraged to view inaugural events from their home. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 14: Workers hang banners for President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris ahead of the inauguration on a press riser just outside the north gate at the White House on Thursday, Jan 14, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
(Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)
Workers repaint the BLM letters at Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, DC, on January 15, 2021. (Photo by Daniel SLIM / AFP)
Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Workers install barbed wire on the fenced perimeter of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. The timing for both President Trump’s impeachment trial and legislation to provide Americans with more Covid relief now largely depends on maneuvering by three of the most veteran legislative tacticians in Congress. Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Xinhua/Ting Shen via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 15, 2021 — National Guard soldiers are seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 14, 2021. U.S. President Donald Trump on Jan. 11 approved an emergency declaration for Washington, D.C., effective through Jan. 24, covering the date of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua via Getty)
(Xinhua/Ting Shen via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 15, 2021 — National Guard soldiers are seen inside the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 14, 2021. U.S. President Donald Trump on Jan. 11 approved an emergency declaration for Washington, D.C., effective through Jan. 24, covering the date of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua via Getty)
Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Members of the National Guard stand behind a barbed wire fence around the perimeter of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. The timing for both President Trump’s impeachment trial and legislation to provide Americans with more Covid relief now largely depends on maneuvering by three of the most veteran legislative tacticians in Congress. Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)
US National Guard soldiers patrol a street near the White House in Washington, DC, on January 15, 2021, five days before the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden. (Photo by Daniel SLIM / AFP)
(Xinhua/Ting Shen via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 15, 2021 — National Guard soldiers are seen inside the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 14, 2021. U.S. President Donald Trump on Jan. 11 approved an emergency declaration for Washington, D.C., effective through Jan. 24, covering the date of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua via Getty)
(Photo by PAUL RATJE/AFP via Getty Images)
Metropolitan police officers patrol Freedom Plaza near the White House in Washington, DC, on January 15, 2021, five days before the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden. (Photo by Paul Ratje / AFP)
Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Workers install barbed wire on the fenced perimeter of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. The timing for both President Trump’s impeachment trial and legislation to provide Americans with more Covid relief now largely depends on maneuvering by three of the most veteran legislative tacticians in Congress. Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 15: A temporary staging location for workers making the preparations for next weeks inauguration ceremony on the National Mall on January 15, 2021 in Washington, DC. Due to security threats following the January 6th pro-Trump mob at the US Capitol, law enforcement agencies moved up security measures along the National Mall and much of downtown Washington, D.C. essentially closing down the Mall a week ahead of President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
(Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 15: A temporary staging location for workers making the preparations for next weeks inauguration ceremony on the National Mall on January 15, 2021 in Washington, DC. Due to security threats following the January 6th pro-Trump mob at the US Capitol, law enforcement agencies moved up security measures along the National Mall and much of downtown Washington, D.C. essentially closing down the Mall a week ahead of President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 14: Members of the National Guard unload supplies outside the U.S. Capitol on January 14, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential Inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
Photographer: Al Drago//Bloomberg via Getty Images
Members of the National Guard load boxes of food at the East Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. President Trump’s unprecedented second impeachment heads to the Senate, where his fate rests with Republican leader McConnell, who now has more leverage than ever over the president in his final week in office. Photographer: Al Drago//Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Workers unload security fencing near the White House in Washington, DC on January 14, 2021. – Security in Washington is being tightened ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on January 20, 2021. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 14: Members of the National Guard gather in the cafeteria of the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on January 14, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
Photographer: Al Drago//Bloomberg via Getty Images
Members of the National Guard walk through the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. President Trump’s unprecedented second impeachment heads to the Senate, where his fate rests with Republican leader McConnell, who now has more leverage than ever over the president in his final week in office. Photographer: Al Drago//Bloomberg via Getty Images
Photographer: Al Drago//Bloomberg via Getty Images
A gas mask and other supplies for the U.S. Capitol Police at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. President Trump’s unprecedented second impeachment heads to the Senate, where his fate rests with Republican leader McConnell, who now has more leverage than ever over the president in his final week in office. Photographer: Al Drago//Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
A monitor at a bus shelter near the White House shows images of people wanted in connection with the insurrection at the US Capitol in Washington, DC on January 14, 2021. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP)
(Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Members of the Nation Guard patrol Capitol Hill on January 14, 2021, in Washington, DC, a week after supporters of US President Donald Trump attacked the US Capitol, and ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on January 20. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP)
(Photo by Yasin Ozturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC, USA – JANUARY 13: Members of the National Guard are issued weapons outside of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021. (Photo by Yasin Ozturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
(Photo by Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13, 2021: A week after the insurrection of the U.S. Capitol, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi greets the National Guard troops occupying and surrounding the newly fenced in Capitol Complex on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC Wednesday January 13, 2021. (Photo by Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 14: A member of the National Guard sits in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on January 14, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Members of the National Guard rest in the Visitor Center of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: A member of the National Guard sleeps in the Visitor Center of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Representative Kat Cammack, a Republican from Florida, takes a selfie photograph with members of the National Guard in the Rotunda at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021. President Donald Trump suffered an unprecedented public rebuke on Wednesday when the House of Representatives impeached him for a second time, clouding his prospects for a potential return to politics just days before he leaves the White House. Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: U.S. Capitol Police keep anti-Trump protesters back as they gather on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote to impeach President Donald Trump later today, after Vice President Mike Pence declined to use the 25th amendment to remove him from office following a violent breach of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob last week. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: Members of the National Guard gather outside the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Today the House of Representatives plans to vote on Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-MD) resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, removing President Trump from office. Wednesday, House Democrats plan on voting on articles of impeachment. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: Member of the National Guard gather outside the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Today the House of Representatives plans to vote on Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-MD) resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, removing President Trump from office. Wednesday, House Democrats plan on voting on articles of impeachment. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
Members of the National Guard patrol outside of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 12, 2021, ahead of a House vote calling on US Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove US President Donald Trump from office. – The House of Representatives will vote Tuesday on a longshot bid to get Vice President Mike Pence and the cabinet to invoke the US Constitution’s 25th Amendment, which would declare Trump unfit to perform his duties and install Pence as acting president. Democrats will follow up the 25th Amendment vote with impeachment proceedings in the House on January 13, 2021. The single charge of “incitement of insurrection” is all but sure to get majority support. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)
Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Members of the National Guard outside of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. House Speaker Pelosi has instructed members of the House to return to Washington to consider a second impeachment of President Donald Trump this week. Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: Members of the National Guard gather outside the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Today the House of Representatives plans to vote on Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-MD) resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, removing President Trump from office. Wednesday, House Democrats plan on voting on articles of impeachment. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: Members of the National Guard gather outside the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Today the House of Representatives plans to vote on Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-MD) resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, removing President Trump from office. Wednesday, House Democrats plan on voting on articles of impeachment. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Members of the National Guard walk past the Senate side of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. House Speaker Pelosi has instructed members of the House to return to Washington to consider a second impeachment of President Donald Trump this week. Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Members of the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department walk outside of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. House Democrats Monday introduced a resolution to impeach President Trump for a second time, setting up a vote this week unless Vice President Mike Pence uses his constitutional authority to remove the president. Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (C) wears a protective mask while arriving to the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Today the House of Representatives plans to vote on Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-MD) resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, removing President Trump from office. On Wednesday, House Democrats plan on voting on articles of impeachment. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (L) wears a protective mask while arriving to the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Today the House of Representatives plans to vote on Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-MD) resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, removing President Trump from office. On Wednesday, House Democrats plan on voting on articles of impeachment. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: U.S. President Donald Trump exits the White House to walk toward Marine One on the South Lawn on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Following last week’s deadly pro-Trump riot at the U.S. Capitol, President Trump is making his first public appearance with a trip to the town of Alamo, Texas to view the construction of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
(Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump speaks to the media outside the White House on January 12, 2021 in Washington,DC before his departure to Alamo, Texas. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP)
(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: U.S. President Donald Trump waves to staff and supporters as he walks toward Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Following last week’s deadly pro-Trump riot on Capitol Hill, President Trump is making his first public appearance with a trip to the border town of Alamo, Texas to view the partial construction of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: U.S. President Donald Trump waves to staff and supporters as he walks toward Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Following last week’s deadly pro-Trump riot at the U.S. Capitol, President Trump is making his first public appearance with a trip to the town of Alamo, Texas to view the construction of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
(Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT – US President Donald Trump waves to the media outside the White House on January 12, 2021 in Washington,DC before his departure to Alamo, Texas. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP)
(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: U.S. President Donald Trump walks to Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Following last week’s deadly pro-Trump riot at the U.S. Capitol, President Trump is making his first public appearance with a trip to the town of Alamo, Texas to view the construction of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for MoveOn)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: People gather at the base of the U.S. Capitol with large IMPEACH and REMOVE letters on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. The group is calling on Congress to impeach and remove President Donald Trump on the day that Democrats introduced articles of impeachment in response to Trump’s incitement of a mob entering the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for MoveOn)
(Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for MoveOn)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: People gather at the base of the U.S. Capitol with large IMPEACH and REMOVE letters on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. The group is calling on Congress to impeach and remove President Donald Trump on the day that Democrats introduced articles of impeachment in response to Trump’s incitement of a mob entering the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for MoveOn)
(Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)
People hold flags in a near empty Black Live Matter Plaza, ahead of the Inauguration of Joe Biden on January 20, in Washington DC, on January 12, 2021. – (Photo by Daniel SLIM / AFP)
Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: Flowers lie on the House steps outside the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Today the House of Representatives plans to vote on Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-MD) resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, removing President Trump from office. Wednesday, House Democrats plan on voting on articles of impeachment. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Members of the National Guard rest in the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) (C) gives members of the National Guard a tour of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote to impeach President Donald Trump later today, after Vice President Mike Pence declined to use the 25th amendment to remove him from office after protestors breached the U.S. Capitol last week. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Members of the National Guard walk through the Visitor Center of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Exactly one week after a violent mob stormed through the U.S. Capitol, members of the Virginia National Guard are given a tour Statuary Hall by Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) minutes after the House voted to impeach U.S. President Donald Trump for the second time in little over a year in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House voted 232-197 to impeach Trump on the charge of “incitement of insurrection” after a mob attacked the U.S. Capitol where Congress was working to certify the Electoral College victory of President-elect Joe Biden on January 6. 10 Republicans voted to impeach. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Anti-Trump protesters gather on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote to impeach President Donald Trump later today, after Vice President Mike Pence declined to use the 25th amendment to remove him from office following a violent breach of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob last week. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) (R) greets members of the National Guard in the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: U.S. Capitol Police prepare to make arrests as anti-Trump protesters gather on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote to impeach President Donald Trump later today, after Vice President Mike Pence declined to use the 25th amendment to remove him from office following a violent breach of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob last week. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Members of the National Guard rest in the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Exactly one week after a violent mob stormed through the U.S. Capitol, members of the Virginia National Guard tour Statuary Hall minutes after the House voted to impeach U.S. President Donald Trump for the second time in little over a year in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House voted 232-197 to impeach Trump on the charge of “incitement of insurrection” after a mob attacked the U.S. Capitol where Congress was working to certify the Electoral College victory of President-elect Joe Biden on January 6. 10 Republicans voted to impeach. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: U.S. Capitol Police prepare to make arrests as anti-Trump protesters gather on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote to impeach President Donald Trump later today, after Vice President Mike Pence declined to use the 25th amendment to remove him from office following a violent breach of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob last week. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: U.S. Capitol Police prepare to make arrests as anti-Trump protesters gather on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote to impeach President Donald Trump later today, after Vice President Mike Pence declined to use the 25th amendment to remove him from office following a violent breach of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob last week. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: U.S. Capitol Police prepare to make arrests as anti-Trump protesters gather on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote to impeach President Donald Trump later today, after Vice President Mike Pence declined to use the 25th amendment to remove him from office following a violent breach of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob last week. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: U.S. Capitol Police prepare to make arrests as anti-Trump protesters gather on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote to impeach President Donald Trump later today, after Vice President Mike Pence declined to use the 25th amendment to remove him from office following a violent breach of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob last week. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Members of the National Guard walk through the Visitor Center of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Members of the National Guard rest in the Visitor Center of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Exactly one week after a violent mob stormed through the U.S. Capitol, members of the Virginia National Guard are given a tour Statuary Hall by Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) minutes after the House voted to impeach U.S. President Donald Trump for the second time in little over a year in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House voted 232-197 to impeach Trump on the charge of “incitement of insurrection” after a mob attacked the U.S. Capitol where Congress was working to certify the Electoral College victory of President-elect Joe Biden on January 6. 10 Republicans voted to impeach. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 17: Law enforcement stand at a road block on January 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. The National Guard is expected to deploy more than 20,000 troops in and around the Capitol and many area businesses will remain closed for the period leading up to the January 20th inauguration of Joseph Biden as president. While there have been no specific threats to the Capitol, online extremist chatter has indicated that some people remain committed to disrupting events and protesting the election results. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Stay with NBC Washington for more details on this developing story.
