“We are here as long as they want”: National Guard secures State House
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE): Security at the State House is still ramped up with members of the Rhode Island National Guard outside, even after Joe Biden was officially sworn in as the 46th President of the United States of America.
The Rhode Island National Guard has been activated all week, leading up to the inauguration.
“The only thing different is that we have a new president,” Capt. Christian Ariza said.
Governor Raimondo said she did so out of an abundance of caution and state police are reiterating there are no credible threats.
So what are members of the National Guard doing when you see them around the State House?
“We are looking and observing to report,” Ariza said. “We report anyone we see that may look suspicious and anyone who we would consider to be potentially violating security.”
Ariza said if members of the National Guard see anyone suspicious, they report it to state police.
“Thankfully, it’s been very safe here,” Ariza said when asked if there have been any reports thus far.
While there have been no issues, Ariza said he is still not sure how much longer Rhode Islanders will be seeing the National Guard outside of the State House.
“We are here as long as the Governor and State leaders want us here for,” Ariza said.
