Members of the Illinois National Guard from units based in Peoria and Bloomington will be activated to help with next week's inauguration in Washington.
Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday ordered the activation of about 200 Guard members. The District of Columbia requested additional support from the Guard for the Jan. 20 festivities.
“In the wake of the recent incident at the Capitol, ensuring a peaceful transfer of power to the Biden administration is of the utmost importance,” said Pritzker. "The Illinois National Guard is renown for its exemplary soldiers and airmen and I am proud to have them represent Illinois alongside other servicemembers during the upcoming presidential inauguration."
The activated Guard members include:
- Approximately 100 Illinois Army National Guard Military Police Soldiers from the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade’s 33rd Military Police Battalion will support the inauguration. The battalion is based in Bloomington with subordinate units in Springfield, Freeport and Fort Sheridan.
- About 45 Security Forces Airmen, including some from the 182nd Airlift Wing based in Peoria.
The Illinois National Guard will assist federal and local agencies to ensure safety and security during the inauguration.
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