Democratic lawmaker revisits suggestion National Guard threatens Biden inauguration



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Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., Returned to his criticism of the National Guard on Tuesday, a day after noting that Trump supporters within the military reservist wing “might want to do something” to endanger inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Critics, including former Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf and Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., Tore Cohen apart after suggesting during an appearance on CNN that the National Guard was a potential threat to the elected president. In an attempt to clarify his remarks, the Democratic lawmaker said he was responding to reports that officials were conducting background checks on National Guard members – through efforts to screen security personnel, standard procedure.

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“I salute the work of our law enforcement and National Guard professionals who complement their efforts at major events,” Cohen said in a statement. “I appreciate the assurance their presence provides that we will have a successful inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris.

“Their work and dedication to ensuring a safe and legal respect for this momentous transfer of power is a testament to our long tradition of peaceful transitions. I thank them all for their sacrifice and hard work,” the statement added.

During his CNN appearance, Cohen was asked to weigh in on the possibility of an “insider threat” against Biden during his inauguration. In response, the Democratic lawmaker said he was reminded that former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by his own bodyguards and suggested that the National Guards could pose a similar threat.

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“The [National] The guard is 90 percent male, and only about 20 percent of white men voted for Biden, “Cohen said during the appearance.” You have to understand that in the Guard, which is mostly more conservative, “he said.” They are probably no more than 25% of the people protecting us who voted for Biden. The other 75% are among the large class of people who might want to do something. “

US authorities have stepped up security preparations following the unprecedented riot on Capitol Hill on January 6. Acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller said officials had not received any intelligence suggesting an internal threat to Biden.

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The National Guard bureau chief said on Tuesday that 12 National Guards had been removed from their posts in Washington after due process checks, including at least two who had been reassigned due to alleged ties to right-wing militias.

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