Head of National Guard for all of the U.S. tells Channel 2 they’re ready for inauguration

WASHINGTON — Security is top of mind right now as the world prepares to witness a very different kind of transfer of power on Wednesday as Joe Biden gets ready to become the 46th president of the United States.

Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne is the only reporter embedded with the Georgia National Guard in the nation’s capital.

On Monday, Winne spoke with Gen. Dan Hokanson, who is the chief of the National Guard Bureau. He oversees all of the national guards from every state, territory and Washington, D.C., and is a part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In an exclusive interview, Hokanson said they are ready for Wednesday.

“This is a great story. We’ll have over 25,000 here coming from every state, all three territories. And obviously, of course, here in Washington, D.C.,” Hokanson said.

“This is unique in the history of the National Guard, is it not?” Winne asked

“It is one of those. Now we participate in the inauguration, in fact, historically, back to Georgia Washington’s inauguration. But it’s never been at this scale,” Hokanson said.

Winne asked the general about the difference the Guard’s role will be compared to regular law enforcement.

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“We’re here really in support of the civilian law enforcement agencies, and that’s really what builds the number of 25,000. But we’ll be providing security, logistics, communications, as well as doing a lot of coordination with the other agencies that are here,” Hokanson said.

Winne asked if the Guard would be arresting people if needed.

“That’s why we have law enforcement officials with our National Guardsmen so that the guardsmen will not have to do that. That will be a law enforcement function that they will be doing,” Hokanson said.

He asked Hokanson what kind of role the Georgia National Guard will be playing in the security for the inauguration.

“So when you look at the entire operation, Georgia, like every other state, has really stepped up to the plate. And Gen. Carden, the adjunct general in Georgia, just called. Said, ‘What do you need? We’ll get it.’ We have several hundred Georgia National Guardsmen here as a result,” Hokanson said.

The Associated Press reported late Sunday night that defense officials will be vetting all National Guard troops amid concerns of a possible “insider attack” at the inauguration. Winne asked Hokanson if vetting is anything new or something they routinely do ahead of big events like the inauguration.

“It is routine, and anytime we have what’s called a National Special Security Event, all people are vetted, and it’s not just National Guard — it’s everyone here that’s participating that’s vetted. So obviously under the current conditions, this has garnered more national attention, but it is a standard process,” Hokanson said.

When asked if there has been any threat detected, Hokanson said, “No, not at all.”

Winne also asked the general what it’s like serving in the Guard at this point in history.

“Well, you know, I’ve worked with these folks for over 25 years, and I know the level of dedication and their ability to balance their civilian career and their military career and their family. It’s incredible. Every night since this started, I go out and see our soldiers and airmen out here protecting the nation’s Capitol, the smile on the face, the fact that they signed up to do this, and just their motivation. I’ll tell ya — it’s the best part of my day,” Hokanson said.

Channel 2 gets exclusive access with Georgia National Guard in D.C. for inauguration

Cox Media Group