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Biden inauguration news: 25,000 National Guard troops vetted amid fears over inside attack

President-elect Joe Biden speaks during an announcement on 16 January, 2021 at the Queen theater in Wilmington, Delaware.  (Getty Images)
President-elect Joe Biden speaks during an announcement on 16 January, 2021 at the Queen theater in Wilmington, Delaware. (Getty Images)

US defence officials say they are worried about an insider attack from service members involved in securing President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, prompting the FBI to vet all of the 25,000 National Guard troops coming into Washington for the event.

The massive undertaking reflects the extraordinary security concerns that have gripped Washington following the deadly insurrection at the US Capitol on 6 January by pro-Trump rioters.

And it underscores fears that some of the very people assigned to protect the city over the next several days could present a threat to the incoming president and other VIPs in attendance.

Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said on Sunday that officials are conscious of the potential threat, and he warned commanders to be on the lookout for any problems within their ranks as the inauguration approaches.

So far, however, he and other leaders say they have seen no evidence of any threats, and officials said the vetting hadn't flagged any issues that they were aware of.