National Guard preparing for improvised explosive device threat from inauguration protesters

Thousands of National Guard troops protecting Washington, D.C., ahead of the inauguration are preparing to detect and defend against improvised explosive devices like the ones found during the Jan. 6 Capitol protests, the National Guard confirmed Friday.

“[Major General] William J. Walker, Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard, directed that specific IED training for all personnel arriving to support the 59th Presidential Inauguration be conducted,” D.C. Guard spokesman Capt. Tinashe Machona told the Washington Examiner.