Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Friday that Maj. Gen. William Walker will serve as the new House sergeant-at-arms and said his military background would help make the Capitol more secure following the Jan. 6 attack by hundreds of angry protesters.
“His experience will be an important asset to the House, particularly in light of the Jan. 6 insurrection,” said Pelosi, a California Democrat. “It is essential that we work to strengthen our institution and keep our Capitol community, and all who visit, safe.”
Walker will be the first black person to serve as sergeant-at-arms.
Walker will replace Timothy Blodgett, who stepped into the role temporarily after Democratic leaders forced out Paul Irving following the attack, which overwhelmed the unprepared Capitol Police and left lawmakers in danger.
Walker serves as the commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, which is responsible for the Guard’s “strategic leadership, training, readiness, operational employment, and performance of the Army and Air Force components.
His appointment comes as thousands of National Guard troops from around the United States remain stationed in the Capitol months after the Jan. 6 attack.
Walker will play a leading role in implementing new security changes proposed by a commission Pelosi appointed after the attack.
The commission recommended hiring hundreds of new police officers and increasing equipment and gear that would be needed to fend off a mob attack. The commission proposed replacing the fencing that now encircles the Capitol with retractable and movable fencing.
The commission also called for replacing the thousands of National Guard troops with a smaller tactical team that could be summoned in an emergency like the one on Jan. 6 that overwhelmed the police and made it possible for the crowd of rioters to gain entry into the Capitol.
