There are currently more troops in Washington, D.C., right now than in Iraq and Afghanistan, NBC News reports.
Up to 25,000 National Guard members are authorized in D.C. to secure the city, support communications and carry out logistical missions, including 800 from Maryland, the Maryland National Guard said.
"To be clear, no troops are being deployed at this time, but are standing ready to respond in the event they are needed,” Maj. Gen. Timothy E. Gowen, adjutant general for Maryland, said.
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“I never thought I would be deployed to the [U.S.] Capitol,” one guard member told TODAY.
The Metropolitan Police Department has "all hands on deck" and is ready to respond to potential threats that have circulated online, Acting Chief Robert Contee said Friday.
Radio host and News4 contributor Tommy McFly said he ran nearly 10.3 miles around the inaugural perimeter Saturday and found tall fences around the National Mall, streets blocked by dump trucks and numerous police officers.
Annapolis, Richmond Heighten Security
While security is heightened in D.C., especially around the Capitol building and National Mall, there is also concern at state capitols across the country.
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Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
This week, there's a state of emergency in Richmond. Capitol Police are working closely with Virginia State Police and Richmond police to secure the city.
A new law in Virginia prohibits firearms in public facilities, city parks and at public events.
In Maryland, Governor Larry Hogan has declared a state of emergency for the entire state.
Maryland State Police are working with several other jurisdictions to secure the statehouse in Annapolis.
Hogan says this emergency proclamation will let the state "more efficiently mobilize support" in Maryland and in neighboring states.
