1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:00,000 2 00:00:11,640 --> 00:00:13,918 all right . Good afternoon , everybody . 3 00:00:13,918 --> 00:00:16,084 And thank you all for being here today 4 00:00:16,140 --> 00:00:18,307 s so that we can provide you with some 5 00:00:18,307 --> 00:00:20,529 additional information regarding events 6 00:00:20,529 --> 00:00:22,640 taking place tomorrow . With me today 7 00:00:22,640 --> 00:00:24,473 are Tom . You're the director of 8 00:00:24,473 --> 00:00:26,529 Washington Headquarters services and 9 00:00:26,529 --> 00:00:28,529 also the lead for the Department of 10 00:00:28,529 --> 00:00:30,473 Defense transition team . And then 11 00:00:30,473 --> 00:00:32,529 General Dan Hawkinson , the chief of 12 00:00:32,529 --> 00:00:32,440 the National Guard Bureau . I want to 13 00:00:32,440 --> 00:00:34,662 thank them both for being here today on 14 00:00:34,662 --> 00:00:36,662 what I imagine is likely one of the 15 00:00:36,662 --> 00:00:38,829 busiest , if not the busiest , days of 16 00:00:38,829 --> 00:00:40,996 their careers assay . Both prepare for 17 00:00:40,996 --> 00:00:43,162 events tomorrow . Just a moment . Mr . 18 00:00:43,162 --> 00:00:44,940 Mayor will provide an update on 19 00:00:44,940 --> 00:00:44,750 transition planning activities to 20 00:00:44,750 --> 00:00:46,630 include activities taking place 21 00:00:46,630 --> 00:00:48,741 tomorrow on the content and including 22 00:00:48,741 --> 00:00:50,852 the continuity of command here at the 23 00:00:50,852 --> 00:00:52,852 Pentagon . Following that , General 24 00:00:52,852 --> 00:00:52,850 Hawkinson will provide an update on 25 00:00:52,850 --> 00:00:54,683 security efforts in the National 26 00:00:54,683 --> 00:00:56,628 Capital Region ahead of tomorrow's 27 00:00:56,628 --> 00:00:58,794 inauguration , as well as efforts with 28 00:00:58,794 --> 00:01:00,906 the National Guard around the country 29 00:01:00,906 --> 00:01:02,961 on in the following days . I have no 30 00:01:02,961 --> 00:01:05,294 other announcements , so let's go ahead . 31 00:01:05,294 --> 00:01:05,090 And Tom . Good . Good afternoon , 32 00:01:05,090 --> 00:01:06,923 ladies . And I wanna thank you , 33 00:01:06,923 --> 00:01:09,090 Jonathan . Jennifer , mention of Tom , 34 00:01:09,090 --> 00:01:11,257 you're a director . Washington Quarter 35 00:01:11,257 --> 00:01:13,312 services and for the purpose of this 36 00:01:13,312 --> 00:01:13,310 discussion . The agency transition 37 00:01:13,310 --> 00:01:14,977 director for the Presidential 38 00:01:14,977 --> 00:01:16,866 Transition Act . Support from the 39 00:01:16,866 --> 00:01:19,032 Department of Defense . I can tell you 40 00:01:19,032 --> 00:01:21,032 that we are prepared to receive the 41 00:01:21,032 --> 00:01:23,088 agency new administration appointees 42 00:01:23,088 --> 00:01:25,930 beginning tomorrow at noon . We believe 43 00:01:25,930 --> 00:01:27,819 we're gonna onboard a significant 44 00:01:27,819 --> 00:01:29,874 number of their political appointees 45 00:01:29,874 --> 00:01:31,986 the very first day on day one and get 46 00:01:31,986 --> 00:01:33,930 them straight to work in their new 47 00:01:33,930 --> 00:01:36,097 offices . That includes we did virtual 48 00:01:36,097 --> 00:01:38,319 on boarding , obviously due to co vid . 49 00:01:38,319 --> 00:01:40,541 We're processing their identity cards , 50 00:01:40,541 --> 00:01:42,763 their background investigations , their 51 00:01:42,763 --> 00:01:42,320 security clearances all virtually . 52 00:01:42,670 --> 00:01:44,559 They received their common access 53 00:01:44,559 --> 00:01:46,781 credential tomorrow afternoon when they 54 00:01:46,781 --> 00:01:48,837 arrive at the Pentagon , will be met 55 00:01:48,837 --> 00:01:50,892 concierge and into the parking space 56 00:01:50,892 --> 00:01:52,781 brought into our Pentagon Library 57 00:01:52,781 --> 00:01:54,726 Conference Center on Boarded their 58 00:01:54,726 --> 00:01:56,726 final documents issued their common 59 00:01:56,726 --> 00:01:58,948 access credentials . Their I T . Access 60 00:01:58,948 --> 00:02:00,614 their email addresses on both 61 00:02:00,614 --> 00:02:02,837 unclassified and classified systems and 62 00:02:02,837 --> 00:02:04,892 shown to their new offices . They'll 63 00:02:04,892 --> 00:02:07,003 meet their teams That will be present 64 00:02:07,003 --> 00:02:09,003 in the office is particularly front 65 00:02:09,003 --> 00:02:11,059 offices supporting a number of these 66 00:02:11,059 --> 00:02:10,890 officials , air coming in or non career 67 00:02:10,890 --> 00:02:12,612 senior executives , not Senate 68 00:02:12,612 --> 00:02:14,834 confirmed , but political appointees on 69 00:02:14,834 --> 00:02:16,890 what we call Schedule C's or special 70 00:02:16,890 --> 00:02:19,001 advisers or senior advisers to settle 71 00:02:19,001 --> 00:02:21,120 of our deity leaders . I can announce 72 00:02:21,120 --> 00:02:23,342 on behalf of the Biden administration . 73 00:02:23,342 --> 00:02:25,398 We checked with them that the acting 74 00:02:25,398 --> 00:02:27,176 secretary defense a zoo of noon 75 00:02:27,176 --> 00:02:29,342 tomorrow will be David Northwest , our 76 00:02:29,342 --> 00:02:31,398 current deputy secretary . Defense . 77 00:02:31,398 --> 00:02:33,509 The acting secretary of the Army will 78 00:02:33,509 --> 00:02:35,620 be John Whitley once again at noon on 79 00:02:35,620 --> 00:02:37,842 tomorrow on the 20th acting secretary , 80 00:02:37,842 --> 00:02:39,787 the Navy Tom Harker and the acting 81 00:02:39,787 --> 00:02:42,064 secretary of the Air Force , John Roth . 82 00:02:42,064 --> 00:02:44,009 We also are working on , and we'll 83 00:02:44,009 --> 00:02:45,676 publish soon and acting and a 84 00:02:45,676 --> 00:02:48,030 performing the duties off transition 85 00:02:48,030 --> 00:02:50,250 plan that has career senior executives 86 00:02:50,580 --> 00:02:52,600 filling in for incoming political 87 00:02:52,600 --> 00:02:54,544 appointees until such time as they 88 00:02:54,544 --> 00:02:56,656 either are confirmed and complete the 89 00:02:56,656 --> 00:02:58,822 conference nomination and confirmation 90 00:02:58,822 --> 00:03:00,933 process , or until they arrive in the 91 00:03:00,933 --> 00:03:02,933 Pentagon and on board for those non 92 00:03:02,933 --> 00:03:05,156 Senate confirmed positions . So we have 93 00:03:05,156 --> 00:03:07,156 a career senior executive acting or 94 00:03:07,156 --> 00:03:09,378 performing the duties of and all of our 95 00:03:09,378 --> 00:03:11,378 positions remind us the four that I 96 00:03:11,378 --> 00:03:13,433 just mentioned the secretary defense 97 00:03:13,433 --> 00:03:15,600 secretary of the Army of the secretary 98 00:03:15,600 --> 00:03:15,050 of the Navy and the secretary of the 99 00:03:15,060 --> 00:03:17,700 Air Force . Reference to transition . 100 00:03:17,700 --> 00:03:19,756 We're wrapping up our support to the 101 00:03:19,756 --> 00:03:21,867 agency review teams on supported that 102 00:03:21,867 --> 00:03:24,220 effort . We completed 231 interviews 103 00:03:24,230 --> 00:03:27,180 with 656 officials on . They've 104 00:03:27,180 --> 00:03:29,236 officially canceled the remainder of 105 00:03:29,236 --> 00:03:31,180 the interviews because we're gonna 106 00:03:31,180 --> 00:03:33,180 discuss that during our on boarding 107 00:03:33,180 --> 00:03:32,940 processes and when they meet their new 108 00:03:32,940 --> 00:03:34,773 teams . The same for request for 109 00:03:34,773 --> 00:03:36,940 information . We completed over 90% of 110 00:03:36,940 --> 00:03:39,051 the request for information and those 111 00:03:39,051 --> 00:03:40,940 which we have not yet completed . 112 00:03:40,940 --> 00:03:43,162 They'll roll over once again to the new 113 00:03:43,162 --> 00:03:43,160 discussions with the new administration 114 00:03:43,160 --> 00:03:45,049 members when they joined the team 115 00:03:45,049 --> 00:03:46,993 tomorrow . But you can tell we are 116 00:03:46,993 --> 00:03:48,938 still practicing co vid mitigation 117 00:03:48,938 --> 00:03:50,993 efforts . The Biden Harris team . Of 118 00:03:50,993 --> 00:03:53,216 course , we'll leave those efforts here 119 00:03:53,216 --> 00:03:55,549 in the Pentagon effective noon tomorrow . 120 00:03:55,549 --> 00:03:55,000 I can tell that all the senior 121 00:03:55,000 --> 00:03:57,260 leadership is properly in place to 122 00:03:57,260 --> 00:03:59,149 execute both the national defense 123 00:03:59,149 --> 00:04:01,316 strategy and meet the D . O . D global 124 00:04:01,316 --> 00:04:03,538 commitments as we welcome the new Biden 125 00:04:03,538 --> 00:04:05,538 Administration team to the Pentagon 126 00:04:05,538 --> 00:04:08,620 tomorrow afternoon completes my opening 127 00:04:08,620 --> 00:04:10,060 remarks . General . 128 00:04:18,040 --> 00:04:19,873 Good afternoon . I'm General Dan 129 00:04:19,873 --> 00:04:22,096 Hawkinson . I want to thank you for the 130 00:04:22,096 --> 00:04:24,262 opportunity to highlight your National 131 00:04:24,262 --> 00:04:26,429 Guard soldiers and airman as I speak . 132 00:04:26,429 --> 00:04:28,651 More than 25,000 National Guard men and 133 00:04:28,651 --> 00:04:30,484 women from all 50 states , three 134 00:04:30,484 --> 00:04:32,262 territories and the District of 135 00:04:32,262 --> 00:04:34,262 Columbia are here in support of the 136 00:04:34,262 --> 00:04:35,818 lead federal agency for the 137 00:04:35,818 --> 00:04:37,818 presidential inauguration . A visit 138 00:04:37,818 --> 00:04:39,984 with these men and women every night , 139 00:04:39,984 --> 00:04:42,096 and they understand the importance of 140 00:04:42,096 --> 00:04:44,040 this mission . They're also proven 141 00:04:44,040 --> 00:04:46,207 prepared and proud to do their part to 142 00:04:46,207 --> 00:04:48,429 ensure a peaceful and safe inauguration 143 00:04:48,429 --> 00:04:51,090 for 46th commander in chief . They're 144 00:04:51,090 --> 00:04:53,201 providing security , communications , 145 00:04:53,201 --> 00:04:55,368 logistics and coordination , support , 146 00:04:55,368 --> 00:04:57,479 toe local and federal law enforcement 147 00:04:57,479 --> 00:04:59,800 and have met every request promptly and 148 00:04:59,800 --> 00:05:02,360 professionally . Looking across the 149 00:05:02,360 --> 00:05:04,416 entire National Guard . We have over 150 00:05:04,416 --> 00:05:07,730 91,000 on duty today to include 22,000 151 00:05:07,730 --> 00:05:10,910 supporting Cove in 19 16,000 deployed 152 00:05:10,910 --> 00:05:13,650 overseas and over 6000 protecting key 153 00:05:13,650 --> 00:05:15,872 infrastructure and Capitol buildings in 154 00:05:15,872 --> 00:05:19,000 30 of our states . Although 91 is a lot 155 00:05:19,010 --> 00:05:22,270 91,000 , it's less than 20% of your 156 00:05:22,270 --> 00:05:24,437 National Guard . So we have additional 157 00:05:24,437 --> 00:05:27,770 capability if and when needed . Upon 158 00:05:27,770 --> 00:05:29,770 completion of the inauguration , we 159 00:05:29,770 --> 00:05:31,826 will continue to support federal law 160 00:05:31,826 --> 00:05:33,770 enforcement as requested , and our 161 00:05:33,770 --> 00:05:35,770 service members will return home as 162 00:05:35,770 --> 00:05:38,340 soon as conditions permit . With 163 00:05:38,340 --> 00:05:40,580 respect to comments about extremism 164 00:05:40,710 --> 00:05:43,450 that may be clear , extremism is not 165 00:05:43,450 --> 00:05:45,970 tolerated in any branch of the United 166 00:05:45,970 --> 00:05:49,000 States military . If there are reported 167 00:05:49,000 --> 00:05:51,167 issues , our leaders will address them 168 00:05:51,167 --> 00:05:52,944 immediately and accordance with 169 00:05:52,944 --> 00:05:55,210 established department policies and in 170 00:05:55,400 --> 00:05:57,770 coordination with law enforcement . 171 00:05:59,240 --> 00:06:01,018 With respect to the Army of the 172 00:06:01,018 --> 00:06:03,073 National Guard . The authority rests 173 00:06:03,073 --> 00:06:05,240 with Secretary of the Army , and it is 174 00:06:05,240 --> 00:06:06,851 based on their mission close 175 00:06:06,851 --> 00:06:08,851 coordination with the supported law 176 00:06:08,851 --> 00:06:10,851 enforcement agency and the chain of 177 00:06:10,851 --> 00:06:12,962 command , which is commanded by Major 178 00:06:12,962 --> 00:06:15,073 General William Walker of the D . C . 179 00:06:15,073 --> 00:06:17,129 National Guard . Our ability to move 180 00:06:17,129 --> 00:06:19,640 25,000 soldiers and airman to D C from 181 00:06:19,650 --> 00:06:21,817 every state and territory in less than 182 00:06:21,817 --> 00:06:23,983 two weeks would not have been possible 183 00:06:23,983 --> 00:06:26,039 without the support of our governors 184 00:06:26,039 --> 00:06:28,400 and their adjutants general . It speaks 185 00:06:28,400 --> 00:06:30,511 volumes about America's investment in 186 00:06:30,511 --> 00:06:32,178 the National Guard and , most 187 00:06:32,178 --> 00:06:34,011 importantly , the support of our 188 00:06:34,011 --> 00:06:36,178 service members and what they get from 189 00:06:36,178 --> 00:06:39,540 their family and their employers . Also , 190 00:06:39,550 --> 00:06:41,383 the outpouring of support to our 191 00:06:41,383 --> 00:06:43,217 national guard across the entire 192 00:06:43,217 --> 00:06:45,328 country and here in the district is a 193 00:06:45,328 --> 00:06:47,106 story in itself . And I want to 194 00:06:47,106 --> 00:06:49,272 particularly thank the citizens of the 195 00:06:49,272 --> 00:06:51,272 District of Columbia with that look 196 00:06:51,272 --> 00:06:53,383 forward to your questions . Well , if 197 00:06:53,383 --> 00:06:55,217 you have questions this , please 198 00:06:55,217 --> 00:06:57,494 identify who would like to have answer , 199 00:06:57,494 --> 00:06:59,550 and it's gonna be a kind of a covitz 200 00:06:59,550 --> 00:07:01,717 safe dance over here toe with just one 201 00:07:01,717 --> 00:07:03,828 more podium . So we'll go first toe . 202 00:07:03,828 --> 00:07:07,440 Lida ap . Hi , 203 00:07:07,450 --> 00:07:09,820 Jonathan . Thanks . Thanks a lot . This 204 00:07:09,820 --> 00:07:12,153 question is for General Hawkinson . But , 205 00:07:12,153 --> 00:07:14,264 Jonathan , if you want to weigh in it 206 00:07:14,264 --> 00:07:16,320 all that be great . Um , General , I 207 00:07:16,320 --> 00:07:19,210 know you mentioned extremism . What can 208 00:07:19,210 --> 00:07:22,760 you tell us about the approximately a 209 00:07:22,760 --> 00:07:24,900 dozen or possibly more National Guard 210 00:07:24,900 --> 00:07:26,789 members have been pulled off duty 211 00:07:26,789 --> 00:07:30,440 because of either posts on social media 212 00:07:30,440 --> 00:07:33,350 or other issues . How big of a threat 213 00:07:33,360 --> 00:07:35,560 do you think this is ? Do you think 214 00:07:35,560 --> 00:07:38,530 their arm or and frankly , any details 215 00:07:38,530 --> 00:07:40,760 on this that you can provide , I think 216 00:07:40,760 --> 00:07:43,330 would would be would be good , since 217 00:07:43,330 --> 00:07:45,108 obviously the general public is 218 00:07:45,108 --> 00:07:47,590 listening and watching this event with 219 00:07:47,600 --> 00:07:50,620 great concern . Thank you Lead to thank 220 00:07:50,620 --> 00:07:52,787 you for that question . And so we work 221 00:07:52,787 --> 00:07:55,009 very closely with law enforcement . And 222 00:07:55,009 --> 00:07:56,842 if there's any identification or 223 00:07:56,842 --> 00:07:59,009 anything whatsoever that that needs to 224 00:07:59,009 --> 00:08:01,120 be , look into out of an abundance of 225 00:08:01,120 --> 00:08:03,231 caution , we automatically pull those 226 00:08:03,231 --> 00:08:05,287 personnel off the line and make sure 227 00:08:05,287 --> 00:08:07,453 that they're not part of the mission , 228 00:08:07,453 --> 00:08:09,564 said . And in certain cases , we make 229 00:08:09,564 --> 00:08:11,676 sure that we get them sent home . But 230 00:08:11,676 --> 00:08:11,570 We're in very close coordination also 231 00:08:11,640 --> 00:08:13,751 within organization . We're kind of a 232 00:08:13,751 --> 00:08:15,918 family in the National Guard . We grew 233 00:08:15,918 --> 00:08:17,918 up together . We work together , we 234 00:08:17,918 --> 00:08:19,862 keep an eye on each other , and if 235 00:08:19,862 --> 00:08:21,473 there's any indications , we 236 00:08:21,473 --> 00:08:23,640 immediately dress it through the chain 237 00:08:23,640 --> 00:08:23,470 of command or law enforcement , the 238 00:08:23,470 --> 00:08:25,980 appropriate level of agency . But I'm 239 00:08:25,980 --> 00:08:28,890 not concerned as a large part of 240 00:08:28,890 --> 00:08:31,180 organization . If you look at 25,000 , 241 00:08:31,410 --> 00:08:33,560 we've had 12 identified , and some of 242 00:08:33,560 --> 00:08:35,616 those they're just looking into it , 243 00:08:35,616 --> 00:08:37,940 maybe unrelated to this . But we wanna 244 00:08:37,940 --> 00:08:39,773 make sure out of an abundance of 245 00:08:39,773 --> 00:08:41,884 caution , as I stated earlier that we 246 00:08:41,884 --> 00:08:43,829 do the right thing until that gets 247 00:08:43,829 --> 00:08:45,829 cleared up . Yes , I lied . I don't 248 00:08:45,829 --> 00:08:47,940 wanna get into the actual vetting and 249 00:08:47,940 --> 00:08:50,162 what partner organizations have found . 250 00:08:50,162 --> 00:08:52,384 But much of the information is , as the 251 00:08:52,384 --> 00:08:54,800 general mentioned is unrelated to Theis 252 00:08:54,800 --> 00:08:56,911 events taking place in the capital or 253 00:08:56,911 --> 00:08:59,022 to the concerns that many people have 254 00:08:59,022 --> 00:09:02,270 noted on on extremism . Thes are , uh , 255 00:09:02,640 --> 00:09:05,250 vetting efforts that identify any 256 00:09:05,250 --> 00:09:07,306 questionable behavior in the past or 257 00:09:07,306 --> 00:09:09,390 any potential link toe question 258 00:09:09,390 --> 00:09:11,668 behavior not just related to extremism . 259 00:09:11,840 --> 00:09:13,896 But as General Higginson mentioned , 260 00:09:13,896 --> 00:09:15,951 we're not we're not asking questions 261 00:09:15,951 --> 00:09:18,118 right now , We're not asking questions 262 00:09:18,118 --> 00:09:20,229 of people who are flagged . We're out 263 00:09:20,229 --> 00:09:20,100 of an abundance of caution , taking 264 00:09:20,100 --> 00:09:22,540 action and immediately removing them 265 00:09:22,540 --> 00:09:24,890 from from the line of duty , a T 266 00:09:24,890 --> 00:09:27,370 capital and the events taking place on . 267 00:09:27,370 --> 00:09:29,370 Then we will address them , whether 268 00:09:29,370 --> 00:09:31,259 it's through law enforcement , if 269 00:09:31,259 --> 00:09:33,426 necessary , or through their own chain 270 00:09:33,426 --> 00:09:35,648 of command . But the point here is that 271 00:09:35,648 --> 00:09:35,450 we have the vetting processes that are 272 00:09:35,450 --> 00:09:37,590 in place . We also have is General 273 00:09:37,590 --> 00:09:40,210 Hawkinson mentioned , uh , internal to 274 00:09:40,210 --> 00:09:42,440 the ranks as well . People have made it 275 00:09:42,440 --> 00:09:44,551 clear that if you see something , you 276 00:09:44,551 --> 00:09:46,496 should you should raise it . We're 277 00:09:46,496 --> 00:09:48,700 taking steps , Thio to ensure that 278 00:09:48,710 --> 00:09:51,620 there's no no concerns . Three American 279 00:09:51,620 --> 00:09:53,676 people should have confidence in the 280 00:09:53,676 --> 00:09:55,787 National Guard . They have confidence 281 00:09:55,787 --> 00:09:57,898 in the law enforcement teams that are 282 00:09:57,898 --> 00:09:59,910 planning for this inauguration , 283 00:09:59,920 --> 00:10:02,860 ensuring that Vice President elect or 284 00:10:02,860 --> 00:10:05,670 President elect Biden has ah safe and 285 00:10:05,670 --> 00:10:08,280 secure inauguration tomorrow . Okay , 286 00:10:08,810 --> 00:10:12,340 Jennifer , just to follow up on leaders 287 00:10:12,340 --> 00:10:14,980 question General Wilkinson , you are 288 00:10:14,980 --> 00:10:17,580 confirming that there are 12 people who 289 00:10:17,580 --> 00:10:19,691 have been removed from National guard 290 00:10:19,691 --> 00:10:21,747 duty . There are reports that two of 291 00:10:21,747 --> 00:10:23,930 those were linked to , um , so called 292 00:10:23,930 --> 00:10:25,597 right wing militias . Are you 293 00:10:25,597 --> 00:10:27,874 confirming that as Well right now , um , 294 00:10:27,874 --> 00:10:29,874 all I would say with with those two 295 00:10:29,874 --> 00:10:32,041 individuals was inappropriate comments 296 00:10:32,041 --> 00:10:34,208 or texts that were put out there . And 297 00:10:34,208 --> 00:10:36,430 as we stated , just out of an abundance 298 00:10:36,430 --> 00:10:38,486 of caution , we wanna make sure that 299 00:10:38,486 --> 00:10:40,708 there's no issues at all and that those 300 00:10:40,708 --> 00:10:42,763 properly get looked into And just in 301 00:10:42,763 --> 00:10:45,700 terms of generically , in the in the 302 00:10:45,700 --> 00:10:49,460 future of Will this be 303 00:10:49,590 --> 00:10:52,270 sort of a standard kind of . I mean , 304 00:10:53,240 --> 00:10:55,462 in the past , where you allowed to look 305 00:10:55,462 --> 00:10:58,370 at people's social media of pages and 306 00:10:58,380 --> 00:11:00,491 things that they were texting ? Or is 307 00:11:00,491 --> 00:11:02,602 this new to this inauguration , or is 308 00:11:02,602 --> 00:11:04,824 this an ongoing thing that the National 309 00:11:04,824 --> 00:11:06,936 Guard has been doing ? So I'd have to 310 00:11:06,936 --> 00:11:08,991 defer to the FBI because they do the 311 00:11:08,991 --> 00:11:11,102 vetting once our personnel are here . 312 00:11:11,102 --> 00:11:13,269 But as I mentioned before , you know , 313 00:11:13,269 --> 00:11:15,436 are a close knit organization , and we 314 00:11:15,436 --> 00:11:17,602 keep an eye on each other and anything 315 00:11:17,602 --> 00:11:17,060 doesn't seem right . Is Jonathan 316 00:11:17,060 --> 00:11:19,171 mentioned if we see something , we're 317 00:11:19,171 --> 00:11:21,440 gonna go ahead and report it , come to 318 00:11:21,440 --> 00:11:23,670 Washington and were sent home or they 319 00:11:23,680 --> 00:11:25,847 were not allowed to come to Washington 320 00:11:25,847 --> 00:11:28,069 in those cases , they were both here in 321 00:11:28,069 --> 00:11:30,069 Washington or are being sent home . 322 00:11:30,069 --> 00:11:32,236 Alright , We're gonna move on . Helene 323 00:11:32,236 --> 00:11:35,190 Cooper , New York Times . Hi . I'm 324 00:11:35,200 --> 00:11:37,240 still I'd like to go back to the 325 00:11:37,250 --> 00:11:39,194 Continue on with this 12 . Are you 326 00:11:39,194 --> 00:11:41,250 saying 12 were removed ? Because you 327 00:11:41,250 --> 00:11:43,930 have concerns of , uh , ties to 328 00:11:43,930 --> 00:11:47,270 extremist organizations that that is 329 00:11:47,270 --> 00:11:49,492 not it . I think it's General Hawkinson 330 00:11:49,492 --> 00:11:52,300 mentioned . We have two individuals 331 00:11:52,300 --> 00:11:55,540 that identified had made inappropriate 332 00:11:55,550 --> 00:11:57,740 comments or text . Those two 333 00:11:57,740 --> 00:11:59,796 individuals were removed . I'll know 334 00:11:59,796 --> 00:12:01,907 one of those was flagged by by within 335 00:12:01,907 --> 00:12:04,073 the command . And then we have another 336 00:12:04,073 --> 00:12:06,073 group of individuals that have been 337 00:12:06,073 --> 00:12:08,390 flagged in the vetting process for a 338 00:12:08,390 --> 00:12:10,590 number of different reasons . Like I 339 00:12:10,590 --> 00:12:12,757 said , unrelated to the events here in 340 00:12:12,757 --> 00:12:14,812 the concerns , um , that most people 341 00:12:14,812 --> 00:12:17,110 have posited its's a lot of looking 342 00:12:17,110 --> 00:12:19,550 back at , um anything that could 343 00:12:19,550 --> 00:12:21,828 potentially flag in a criminal history , 344 00:12:21,828 --> 00:12:23,994 check anything that could come up in a 345 00:12:23,994 --> 00:12:26,217 civilian database that's being scrubbed 346 00:12:26,220 --> 00:12:29,230 by our partners . We're just not like I 347 00:12:29,230 --> 00:12:31,341 said , we're not taking any chances . 348 00:12:31,341 --> 00:12:33,563 Anything flags . There's any any reason 349 00:12:33,563 --> 00:12:35,730 that somebody's name is brought to the 350 00:12:35,730 --> 00:12:37,786 attention of the command there being 351 00:12:37,786 --> 00:12:39,674 removed from the line . We'll ask 352 00:12:39,674 --> 00:12:41,563 questions later , and we will get 353 00:12:41,563 --> 00:12:44,120 ascertain whether any action needs to 354 00:12:44,120 --> 00:12:46,176 be taken by other law enforcement by 355 00:12:46,176 --> 00:12:48,398 their chain of command . But no , we're 356 00:12:48,398 --> 00:12:50,453 not saying that the all 12 have been 357 00:12:50,453 --> 00:12:52,287 pulled for ties , I think is you 358 00:12:52,290 --> 00:12:54,760 characterize it to extreme Mr Militias . 359 00:12:54,760 --> 00:12:58,310 That is not correct . Okay , keep 360 00:12:58,310 --> 00:13:01,740 second question . Um uh , of the 25,000 361 00:13:01,740 --> 00:13:03,962 National Guard troops coming , how many 362 00:13:03,962 --> 00:13:06,480 of those are military police Police for 363 00:13:06,490 --> 00:13:07,657 general . Consists . 364 00:13:10,540 --> 00:13:12,596 I apologize . I don't have the exact 365 00:13:12,596 --> 00:13:14,873 number of military police , but we use , 366 00:13:14,873 --> 00:13:16,929 uh , assortment of military , police 367 00:13:16,929 --> 00:13:18,873 and security forces , and that's a 368 00:13:18,873 --> 00:13:21,040 balance between state requirements and 369 00:13:21,040 --> 00:13:23,262 what they're able to send here . But we 370 00:13:23,262 --> 00:13:25,429 can follow up with the exact number at 371 00:13:25,429 --> 00:13:27,707 a later time . Okay , We'll keep going . 372 00:13:27,840 --> 00:13:29,507 Damn a moth Washington Post . 373 00:13:32,240 --> 00:13:34,184 Yes . Thanks for your time today . 374 00:13:34,184 --> 00:13:36,520 Today I want to clarify what the 375 00:13:36,530 --> 00:13:38,780 threshold is for someone to be flagged 376 00:13:38,780 --> 00:13:40,947 here . For instance , if someone had a 377 00:13:41,340 --> 00:13:43,610 Q and on bumper sticker or T shirt or 378 00:13:43,610 --> 00:13:45,920 something like that showing some amount 379 00:13:45,920 --> 00:13:47,809 of sympathy or interest , is that 380 00:13:47,809 --> 00:13:50,031 enough , or does it take something more 381 00:13:50,031 --> 00:13:52,142 serious ? Thank you . So I don't want 382 00:13:52,142 --> 00:13:53,920 to speak for the vetting that's 383 00:13:53,920 --> 00:13:56,031 underway , but if our law enforcement 384 00:13:56,031 --> 00:13:58,142 partners flagging individual based on 385 00:13:58,142 --> 00:14:00,031 their determination that they see 386 00:14:00,031 --> 00:14:02,031 something on , they pass it to us . 387 00:14:02,031 --> 00:14:04,253 We're not even asking what the flag was 388 00:14:04,253 --> 00:14:06,309 Were just removing them . So I can't 389 00:14:06,309 --> 00:14:08,650 speak for that within the ranks , I 390 00:14:08,660 --> 00:14:11,150 think that it's ah , What we've seen is 391 00:14:11,150 --> 00:14:13,570 inappropriate . Comments and text have 392 00:14:13,570 --> 00:14:15,737 been it . I don't think that we have . 393 00:14:15,737 --> 00:14:17,570 Ah , handbook on . On what ? Our 394 00:14:17,570 --> 00:14:19,681 thresholds for inappropriateness . At 395 00:14:19,681 --> 00:14:21,792 this point , we're just taking action 396 00:14:21,792 --> 00:14:24,350 against an action to remove individuals . 397 00:14:24,360 --> 00:14:27,080 If there is some indication that would 398 00:14:27,090 --> 00:14:29,201 indicate that they should not be here 399 00:14:29,201 --> 00:14:31,580 at this time . Okay . Phil Stewart , 400 00:14:31,580 --> 00:14:35,530 Reuters . Yeah , 401 00:14:35,530 --> 00:14:38,050 I just met a beat on that , uh , beat a 402 00:14:38,050 --> 00:14:40,330 dead horse here , but so the 12 people 403 00:14:40,330 --> 00:14:43,310 that were removed removed after vetting , 404 00:14:43,320 --> 00:14:46,460 but but the vetting was not necessarily 405 00:14:46,470 --> 00:14:48,690 for extremist groups is I think I I 406 00:14:48,700 --> 00:14:50,644 thought that they were betting was 407 00:14:50,644 --> 00:14:52,644 risky for ties to extremism . Eso I 408 00:14:52,644 --> 00:14:54,756 guess so . If that's true , then what 409 00:14:54,756 --> 00:14:56,978 is the ? Is the vetting more broad than 410 00:14:56,978 --> 00:14:58,978 that ? Are you looking into whether 411 00:14:58,978 --> 00:14:58,260 these people have , like , you know , 412 00:14:58,270 --> 00:15:00,390 big debts and you know other things 413 00:15:00,390 --> 00:15:02,612 that could allow them be compromised by 414 00:15:02,612 --> 00:15:04,946 a foreign adversary ? A little confused . 415 00:15:04,946 --> 00:15:07,057 Well , I thought this vetting was for 416 00:15:07,057 --> 00:15:09,223 extremism and then and then Secondly , 417 00:15:09,223 --> 00:15:11,334 the two people that were removed from 418 00:15:11,334 --> 00:15:13,612 the capital they're not part of the 12 . 419 00:15:13,612 --> 00:15:15,723 It would be 12 plus to correct . No , 420 00:15:15,723 --> 00:15:17,946 that's not true . So there's There's 10 421 00:15:17,946 --> 00:15:20,112 that were identified by the FBI and on 422 00:15:20,112 --> 00:15:19,980 I can't speak to the level of vetting 423 00:15:19,980 --> 00:15:22,091 that they do , but I know it's , uh , 424 00:15:22,091 --> 00:15:24,202 they said it's a standard they do for 425 00:15:24,202 --> 00:15:26,258 all inaugurations . For participants 426 00:15:26,258 --> 00:15:28,369 with the other two , they're separate 427 00:15:28,369 --> 00:15:30,591 from those 10 for a total of 12 . 1 was 428 00:15:30,591 --> 00:15:32,758 identified by the chain of command and 429 00:15:32,758 --> 00:15:32,320 another was identified through 430 00:15:32,320 --> 00:15:35,140 anonymous reporting and and fill to the 431 00:15:35,140 --> 00:15:37,307 first part . Our understanding is that 432 00:15:37,307 --> 00:15:39,529 the review and the vetting is broader . 433 00:15:39,529 --> 00:15:41,418 As you indicated . We're not just 434 00:15:41,418 --> 00:15:44,070 looking for ties , Thio . One 435 00:15:44,080 --> 00:15:45,913 particular threat stream . We're 436 00:15:45,913 --> 00:15:47,930 looking for any indication that an 437 00:15:47,930 --> 00:15:49,986 individual should not be included in 438 00:15:49,986 --> 00:15:52,060 the inaugural events . All right , 439 00:15:52,070 --> 00:15:53,470 David Martin , CBS . 440 00:15:56,240 --> 00:15:59,670 I have no question . If Sylvia F . P 441 00:16:03,040 --> 00:16:06,240 yes , hello , I would like toa go back 442 00:16:06,250 --> 00:16:08,750 toe . The reason why they were flagged , 443 00:16:08,760 --> 00:16:11,090 the two were flagged . You mentioned 444 00:16:11,100 --> 00:16:14,800 inappropriate comments or text where 445 00:16:14,800 --> 00:16:17,660 this comment off political nature . 446 00:16:18,340 --> 00:16:20,229 We're not gonna get into what the 447 00:16:20,229 --> 00:16:22,340 comments and texts were other than to 448 00:16:22,340 --> 00:16:24,507 say that they were inappropriate . And 449 00:16:24,507 --> 00:16:27,390 they rose to the level that in one case , 450 00:16:27,390 --> 00:16:30,010 the chain of command , um flagged them 451 00:16:30,020 --> 00:16:32,353 and made a determination to remove them . 452 00:16:32,353 --> 00:16:34,520 And in the other case that there was a 453 00:16:34,520 --> 00:16:36,576 General Hawkinson mentioned , uh , a 454 00:16:36,576 --> 00:16:38,464 comment posted , or I'm sorry , a 455 00:16:38,464 --> 00:16:40,576 comment provided over a tip line that 456 00:16:40,576 --> 00:16:42,520 when the chain of command was made 457 00:16:42,520 --> 00:16:44,687 aware of it , they decided to remove . 458 00:16:44,687 --> 00:16:46,520 But we're not gonna get into the 459 00:16:46,520 --> 00:16:46,300 specifics of what the comments were 460 00:16:46,300 --> 00:16:48,300 right now there'll be time for that 461 00:16:48,440 --> 00:16:51,420 horn , given that the issues they were 462 00:16:51,420 --> 00:16:53,476 polar , the issues they were flagged 463 00:16:53,476 --> 00:16:55,531 are not related to two weeks ago , a 464 00:16:55,531 --> 00:16:57,753 week and a half ago . Are you concerned 465 00:16:57,753 --> 00:16:56,940 that your own background screening 466 00:16:56,940 --> 00:16:59,800 didn't pick this up for which 467 00:16:59,800 --> 00:17:03,440 individuals for the broader Well , eso 468 00:17:03,440 --> 00:17:05,273 I don't wanna get into the exact 469 00:17:05,273 --> 00:17:08,070 venting that undertaken . Um , my 470 00:17:08,070 --> 00:17:09,903 understanding from what has been 471 00:17:09,903 --> 00:17:11,848 explained to me by law enforcement 472 00:17:11,848 --> 00:17:13,459 partners is that some of the 473 00:17:13,459 --> 00:17:15,181 information that would flag an 474 00:17:15,181 --> 00:17:17,230 individual is not necessarily 475 00:17:17,240 --> 00:17:19,820 information that would , if pursued , 476 00:17:19,830 --> 00:17:22,052 would lead someone to understand that a 477 00:17:22,052 --> 00:17:23,886 person's committed a crime or as 478 00:17:23,886 --> 00:17:26,420 someone who is is compromise . But it 479 00:17:26,420 --> 00:17:28,531 is just It's a piece of information . 480 00:17:28,540 --> 00:17:30,596 And at this point in time , we don't 481 00:17:30,596 --> 00:17:32,596 have the time frame in which to run 482 00:17:32,596 --> 00:17:34,762 down every single piece of information 483 00:17:34,762 --> 00:17:36,873 and determine whether that individual 484 00:17:36,873 --> 00:17:38,873 may not should not be a part of the 485 00:17:38,873 --> 00:17:40,762 military or not . But it's enough 486 00:17:40,762 --> 00:17:42,818 information right now that just that 487 00:17:42,818 --> 00:17:44,929 flag alone we've determined that that 488 00:17:44,929 --> 00:17:46,818 is enough to remove them from the 489 00:17:46,818 --> 00:17:46,690 capital . You at this point ? No . How 490 00:17:46,690 --> 00:17:48,857 many the FBI has gone through of the e 491 00:17:48,857 --> 00:17:50,968 don't have that information for you , 492 00:17:50,968 --> 00:17:53,670 Louis . Um , questions to you , General 493 00:17:54,470 --> 00:17:57,730 and Jonathan . Um , what happens to 494 00:17:57,730 --> 00:17:59,952 these individuals when they go back ? I 495 00:17:59,952 --> 00:18:01,952 mean , you caught Is this something 496 00:18:01,952 --> 00:18:04,020 that triggers disciplinary action or 497 00:18:04,020 --> 00:18:06,350 something else like that ? Um , that's 498 00:18:06,350 --> 00:18:08,350 first . And then secondly , can you 499 00:18:08,350 --> 00:18:11,490 talk about the the follow through 500 00:18:11,490 --> 00:18:13,379 mission tomorrow's inauguration ? 501 00:18:13,840 --> 00:18:15,562 You're gonna have all of these 502 00:18:15,562 --> 00:18:17,562 personnel in town . How long do you 503 00:18:17,570 --> 00:18:20,330 intend to keep him for ? Is there a 504 00:18:20,340 --> 00:18:22,562 plan that this is an extended mission ? 505 00:18:22,840 --> 00:18:25,930 And so thank you , Louise . So , with 506 00:18:25,930 --> 00:18:27,763 respect to the first question so 507 00:18:27,763 --> 00:18:29,750 obviously want , that's uh , those 508 00:18:29,750 --> 00:18:31,750 folks are identified will make sure 509 00:18:31,750 --> 00:18:33,917 that we follow through with either law 510 00:18:33,917 --> 00:18:36,028 enforcement or the chain of command , 511 00:18:36,028 --> 00:18:38,028 which is ever the appropriate venue 512 00:18:38,028 --> 00:18:40,139 until we get exact resolution on each 513 00:18:40,139 --> 00:18:42,361 and every one of those individuals with 514 00:18:42,361 --> 00:18:44,306 respect to the mission . After the 515 00:18:44,306 --> 00:18:47,070 inauguration , eso we brought on 6200 516 00:18:47,240 --> 00:18:50,990 for 30 days on June's January 7th , and 517 00:18:50,990 --> 00:18:53,157 so they'll go into February , and that 518 00:18:53,157 --> 00:18:55,323 number could go up or down , depending 519 00:18:55,323 --> 00:18:56,934 on the lead , federal agency 520 00:18:56,934 --> 00:18:59,157 requirements or federal law enforcement 521 00:18:59,157 --> 00:19:01,050 requests . But really , after the 522 00:19:01,060 --> 00:19:02,920 inauguration , we'll look at the 523 00:19:02,920 --> 00:19:05,390 conditions and the environment and the 524 00:19:05,390 --> 00:19:07,668 mission set that were asked to perform . 525 00:19:07,668 --> 00:19:09,612 And if that is below the number of 526 00:19:09,612 --> 00:19:11,612 personnel that we have , then we'll 527 00:19:11,612 --> 00:19:13,668 start identifying those folks to get 528 00:19:13,668 --> 00:19:15,834 him home as quickly as possible so the 529 00:19:15,834 --> 00:19:18,057 job could occur rather quickly . Then , 530 00:19:18,057 --> 00:19:20,168 absolutely , and it'll be conditioned 531 00:19:20,168 --> 00:19:19,740 space . But yeah , it could be quick , 532 00:19:19,740 --> 00:19:21,684 or it could be over time , and the 533 00:19:21,684 --> 00:19:23,684 general mentions were in support of 534 00:19:23,684 --> 00:19:25,851 federal law enforcement . Right now in 535 00:19:25,851 --> 00:19:28,184 SSE is Secret Service has the lead , um , 536 00:19:28,184 --> 00:19:30,407 past the inauguration that may continue 537 00:19:30,407 --> 00:19:32,518 for a period of time , but then other 538 00:19:32,518 --> 00:19:32,210 federal law enforcement will have that 539 00:19:32,210 --> 00:19:34,043 lead . And when we will still be 540 00:19:34,043 --> 00:19:35,988 supporting them , I'll just remind 541 00:19:35,988 --> 00:19:37,932 everyone on the phone that we have 542 00:19:37,932 --> 00:19:40,099 another very capable , talented senior 543 00:19:40,099 --> 00:19:39,750 executive here , Tom , you're who's 544 00:19:39,750 --> 00:19:41,900 available to answer questions and on 545 00:19:41,900 --> 00:19:43,789 the inauguration that you've been 546 00:19:43,789 --> 00:19:45,844 hammering us to answer over the last 547 00:19:45,844 --> 00:19:47,844 few days . So he's here if you guys 548 00:19:47,844 --> 00:19:50,067 have anything . Uh , Tom Vandenberg U S 549 00:19:50,067 --> 00:19:49,560 a today . 550 00:19:55,340 --> 00:19:57,340 Sorry , Jonathan . Nothing . Here , 551 00:19:57,340 --> 00:20:01,000 Daniel . It NBC . Yeah . 552 00:20:01,010 --> 00:20:03,660 Thanks . Uh , we just This is such a 553 00:20:03,660 --> 00:20:06,380 large force here for the inauguration . 554 00:20:06,390 --> 00:20:09,950 Um , how confident are used that you 555 00:20:09,950 --> 00:20:12,061 and the federal government , FBI have 556 00:20:12,061 --> 00:20:14,172 been able to properly screen and best 557 00:20:14,172 --> 00:20:16,890 all of these troops . I think this is 558 00:20:16,890 --> 00:20:19,460 obviously not a typical situation . 559 00:20:23,040 --> 00:20:25,040 Well , in this case , we're working 560 00:20:25,040 --> 00:20:27,207 very closely with the FBI , and I know 561 00:20:27,207 --> 00:20:29,096 that we've been providing all the 562 00:20:29,096 --> 00:20:31,096 information they need as our troops 563 00:20:31,096 --> 00:20:32,984 show up into the National Capital 564 00:20:32,984 --> 00:20:34,984 region , and I've been assured that 565 00:20:34,984 --> 00:20:37,151 they will get all the vetting complete 566 00:20:37,151 --> 00:20:39,040 e mean theme . The Secret Service 567 00:20:39,040 --> 00:20:41,890 handles large events on a regular basis , 568 00:20:41,900 --> 00:20:45,140 uh , in which they are able thio screen 569 00:20:45,150 --> 00:20:48,610 on BET attendees . This FBI handles 570 00:20:48,620 --> 00:20:51,160 events as well . We have continuous 571 00:20:51,160 --> 00:20:53,271 vetting and screening going on within 572 00:20:53,271 --> 00:20:55,382 the department . This is obviously an 573 00:20:55,382 --> 00:20:57,438 unusual situation in which it is all 574 00:20:57,438 --> 00:20:59,382 hands on deck and we're leaving no 575 00:20:59,382 --> 00:21:01,216 stone unturned . Uh , but we are 576 00:21:01,216 --> 00:21:03,520 confident that there will be no 577 00:21:03,530 --> 00:21:06,520 opportunity to identify any potential 578 00:21:06,530 --> 00:21:09,810 threat left . Done . And so we're gonna 579 00:21:09,810 --> 00:21:11,810 do all we can . We're gonna partner 580 00:21:11,810 --> 00:21:14,032 with the Secret Service and the FBI and 581 00:21:14,032 --> 00:21:16,143 others to ensure that we're all doing 582 00:21:16,143 --> 00:21:18,366 everything we can . We're all rowing in 583 00:21:18,366 --> 00:21:17,550 the same direction . And that is to 584 00:21:17,550 --> 00:21:19,550 ensure that the president elect the 585 00:21:19,550 --> 00:21:21,606 vice President elect have a safe and 586 00:21:21,606 --> 00:21:23,939 secure inauguration tomorrow at 12 noon . 587 00:21:23,939 --> 00:21:26,140 All right , Jack . Thank you . I was 588 00:21:26,140 --> 00:21:27,862 just following up on one of my 589 00:21:27,862 --> 00:21:30,140 colleagues Questions you had said , uh , 590 00:21:30,140 --> 00:21:32,196 there'll be a later time to describe 591 00:21:32,196 --> 00:21:34,362 the type of texts . Uh , messages that 592 00:21:34,362 --> 00:21:36,418 these two service members sent isn't 593 00:21:36,418 --> 00:21:38,640 now the time . This is the largest news 594 00:21:38,640 --> 00:21:40,696 story in the world . Can the Defense 595 00:21:40,696 --> 00:21:42,807 Department at least characterized the 596 00:21:42,807 --> 00:21:44,973 texts or communications that these two 597 00:21:44,973 --> 00:21:46,918 National Guardsmen sent Where they 598 00:21:46,918 --> 00:21:49,029 plotting against Vice President elect 599 00:21:49,029 --> 00:21:51,362 Biden , where they threatening violence ? 600 00:21:51,362 --> 00:21:53,418 What exactly were they say ? I think 601 00:21:53,418 --> 00:21:52,820 the generals characterizing , 602 00:21:52,830 --> 00:21:54,774 characterizing their inappropriate 603 00:21:54,774 --> 00:21:57,190 texts . There's going to be a continued 604 00:21:57,190 --> 00:21:59,320 look at this . And whether that is a 605 00:21:59,330 --> 00:22:01,552 internal D o D . Looks within the chain 606 00:22:01,552 --> 00:22:04,210 of command or , um , a investigation by 607 00:22:04,210 --> 00:22:06,043 others is something that's being 608 00:22:06,043 --> 00:22:09,090 determined . Um , so I don't wanna get 609 00:22:09,090 --> 00:22:11,210 ahead of that investigation on Get in 610 00:22:11,210 --> 00:22:13,099 the way of that . We're providing 611 00:22:13,099 --> 00:22:15,432 information here to the American public . 612 00:22:15,432 --> 00:22:17,488 What's important for them to know is 613 00:22:17,488 --> 00:22:17,240 that those individuals have been 614 00:22:17,240 --> 00:22:19,129 removed . They will not be at the 615 00:22:19,129 --> 00:22:21,351 Capitol . And if we uncover anyone else 616 00:22:21,351 --> 00:22:23,518 with sending inappropriate messages or 617 00:22:23,518 --> 00:22:25,684 has flags that have been identified by 618 00:22:25,684 --> 00:22:27,684 our law enforcement partners , they 619 00:22:27,684 --> 00:22:29,629 will be removed as well . Well , I 620 00:22:29,629 --> 00:22:31,851 appreciate that you're doing everything 621 00:22:31,851 --> 00:22:31,390 you can , but in this case , it almost 622 00:22:31,390 --> 00:22:33,501 sounds like the Defense Department is 623 00:22:33,501 --> 00:22:35,612 trying to hide this . What is it that 624 00:22:35,612 --> 00:22:37,668 they can you say ? Did they threaten 625 00:22:37,668 --> 00:22:39,890 President elect Biden ? Kamala Harris ? 626 00:22:39,890 --> 00:22:42,112 Can you at least rule that out , Jeff , 627 00:22:42,112 --> 00:22:42,050 once again , I'll say that we have an 628 00:22:42,050 --> 00:22:44,217 ongoing investigation into it . I will 629 00:22:44,217 --> 00:22:45,939 share that . The comments were 630 00:22:45,939 --> 00:22:48,130 inappropriate and the individuals have 631 00:22:48,130 --> 00:22:49,963 been removed and the appropriate 632 00:22:49,963 --> 00:22:51,574 authorities will continue to 633 00:22:51,574 --> 00:22:53,630 investigate . All right , we'll do a 634 00:22:53,630 --> 00:22:55,408 few more terror cop McClatchy . 635 00:22:57,540 --> 00:22:59,540 Hi , Josh . And thank you for doing 636 00:22:59,540 --> 00:23:01,540 this . Um , my question for General 637 00:23:01,540 --> 00:23:03,830 Wilkinson is do you think that there 638 00:23:03,830 --> 00:23:07,250 will be a need for a overall 639 00:23:07,250 --> 00:23:10,900 rescreening of all guard members moving 640 00:23:10,900 --> 00:23:13,122 forward ? Since this kind of re vetting 641 00:23:13,122 --> 00:23:15,380 for the inauguration has popped up a 642 00:23:15,380 --> 00:23:18,100 few concerning things . And how would 643 00:23:18,100 --> 00:23:20,267 you go back doing that ? It seems like 644 00:23:20,267 --> 00:23:22,433 it's it would be extremely difficult , 645 00:23:22,433 --> 00:23:24,544 given the dual role civilian military 646 00:23:24,544 --> 00:23:27,030 and the need to do what you've , uh , 647 00:23:27,040 --> 00:23:29,207 characterized broke before . It's kind 648 00:23:29,207 --> 00:23:31,373 of a constant monitoring . Thank you . 649 00:23:31,373 --> 00:23:33,410 Thank you . Um , I would say with 650 00:23:33,410 --> 00:23:35,521 respect to the current processes that 651 00:23:35,521 --> 00:23:37,688 we have in policies that will continue 652 00:23:37,688 --> 00:23:39,632 to do those and also , um , really 653 00:23:39,632 --> 00:23:41,743 looking across the chain of command , 654 00:23:41,743 --> 00:23:43,854 um , in their coordination with their 655 00:23:43,854 --> 00:23:45,910 soldiers and airman at every level . 656 00:23:45,910 --> 00:23:48,077 But I don't see any , uh , any current 657 00:23:48,077 --> 00:23:48,000 change in policies if there are , 658 00:23:48,010 --> 00:23:50,080 obviously will enforce them . But I 659 00:23:50,080 --> 00:23:52,191 think the policies were already there 660 00:23:52,191 --> 00:23:54,302 in place and will continue to utilize 661 00:23:54,302 --> 00:23:56,524 those toe identify any concerns that we 662 00:23:56,524 --> 00:23:59,630 might have . Um , 663 00:23:59,990 --> 00:24:01,660 Abraham Washington Examiner . 664 00:24:04,640 --> 00:24:06,196 Yeah . I just wanted to get 665 00:24:06,196 --> 00:24:08,362 clarification . Thanks a lot . Calling 666 00:24:08,362 --> 00:24:10,473 me , um , one of the clarification at 667 00:24:10,473 --> 00:24:12,529 6600 number for 30 days that can you 668 00:24:12,529 --> 00:24:14,570 kind of break out ? There's 25,000 669 00:24:14,570 --> 00:24:17,830 guard members in the providing security 670 00:24:17,830 --> 00:24:19,997 in the capital right now . That number 671 00:24:19,997 --> 00:24:23,500 is gonna drop down to 6600 Onley . They 672 00:24:23,510 --> 00:24:25,454 Yeah , I'll let you clarify that . 673 00:24:25,454 --> 00:24:27,343 Thanks . So , with respect to the 674 00:24:27,343 --> 00:24:29,510 25,000 that we currently have , that's 675 00:24:29,510 --> 00:24:31,566 to meet all of the requirements that 676 00:24:31,566 --> 00:24:33,788 have been requested by the lead federal 677 00:24:33,788 --> 00:24:36,010 agency in this case , the United States 678 00:24:36,010 --> 00:24:37,954 Secret Service . And so that's the 679 00:24:37,954 --> 00:24:39,843 amount that they required for the 680 00:24:39,843 --> 00:24:41,621 inauguration . We look post ogg 681 00:24:41,621 --> 00:24:43,566 urination , inauguration . It will 682 00:24:43,566 --> 00:24:45,510 depend on the conditions that , of 683 00:24:45,510 --> 00:24:44,760 course , the missions that were 684 00:24:44,760 --> 00:24:47,740 provided , Uh , but we did put 6200 on 685 00:24:47,750 --> 00:24:49,806 early , so there would at least be a 686 00:24:49,806 --> 00:24:51,780 residual element here if it was 687 00:24:51,780 --> 00:24:54,340 necessary . And now , as we go in the 688 00:24:54,340 --> 00:24:56,451 days following from here , we'll stay 689 00:24:56,451 --> 00:24:58,396 in close coordination with all the 690 00:24:58,396 --> 00:25:00,396 federal law enforcement agencies to 691 00:25:00,396 --> 00:25:02,007 make sure that we meet their 692 00:25:02,007 --> 00:25:04,062 requirements . But if we have excess 693 00:25:04,062 --> 00:25:06,229 capability and capacity , of course we 694 00:25:06,229 --> 00:25:08,340 want to get those soldiers and airman 695 00:25:08,340 --> 00:25:10,396 home back home to their families and 696 00:25:10,396 --> 00:25:12,451 employers as soon as we can . Yeah . 697 00:25:12,451 --> 00:25:15,780 All right . Maybe . Okay . Um , 698 00:25:16,140 --> 00:25:18,190 sure . Follow up . Sorry . Sorry . 699 00:25:18,550 --> 00:25:21,780 There's also a report that , uh that 700 00:25:21,790 --> 00:25:24,400 there was chatter among Q and on 701 00:25:24,400 --> 00:25:26,860 websites suggesting that some Q and on 702 00:25:26,860 --> 00:25:29,100 members would wanted to put on National 703 00:25:29,100 --> 00:25:31,080 Guard uniforms and that there was 704 00:25:31,080 --> 00:25:33,080 concern about that and that there's 705 00:25:33,080 --> 00:25:35,191 also concerns that National Guard are 706 00:25:35,191 --> 00:25:37,413 concerned that people are taking videos 707 00:25:37,413 --> 00:25:39,524 and pictures of them at the Capitol . 708 00:25:39,524 --> 00:25:41,858 Can you address that ? Is that accurate ? 709 00:25:41,858 --> 00:25:43,858 Was there a law enforcement warning 710 00:25:43,858 --> 00:25:45,691 about somebody wanting to put on 711 00:25:45,691 --> 00:25:47,858 National Guard uniforms ? Absolutely . 712 00:25:47,858 --> 00:25:49,913 We're in close coordination with the 713 00:25:49,913 --> 00:25:51,969 FBI and any and all things that they 714 00:25:51,969 --> 00:25:54,136 come up with . That that may have been 715 00:25:54,136 --> 00:25:53,780 concerned . We share that across our 716 00:25:53,780 --> 00:25:55,891 force because we wanna make sure that 717 00:25:55,891 --> 00:25:58,113 no matter what situation we're in , our 718 00:25:58,113 --> 00:26:00,169 our soldiers and airmen are prepared 719 00:26:00,169 --> 00:26:02,113 and ready , um , to complete their 720 00:26:02,113 --> 00:26:04,169 mission , really ? To protect people 721 00:26:04,169 --> 00:26:06,391 and property and also be able to defend 722 00:26:06,391 --> 00:26:08,613 themselves . But you're confirming that 723 00:26:08,613 --> 00:26:10,836 there were concerns about those . Yes , 724 00:26:10,836 --> 00:26:12,947 there are always concerns about stuff 725 00:26:12,947 --> 00:26:15,169 like that , and we just work with local 726 00:26:15,169 --> 00:26:14,570 law enforcement agencies because they 727 00:26:14,570 --> 00:26:17,130 provide that information and if we see 728 00:26:17,130 --> 00:26:19,600 indications , um , of anything that 729 00:26:19,600 --> 00:26:21,433 doesn't look right , we reported 730 00:26:21,433 --> 00:26:24,470 immediately . Okay . All right . Um , I 731 00:26:24,470 --> 00:26:27,170 will , uh , Tom , I apologize for for 732 00:26:27,180 --> 00:26:29,347 for dragging you down here , but thank 733 00:26:29,347 --> 00:26:31,513 you for coming . Uh , Tom's got a busy 734 00:26:31,513 --> 00:26:33,791 day tomorrow has a great plan in place . 735 00:26:33,791 --> 00:26:35,791 We've been working closely with the 736 00:26:35,791 --> 00:26:38,480 Biden team . Um , as you guys know , my 737 00:26:38,490 --> 00:26:41,530 my relief will be here tomorrow , a 12 738 00:26:41,530 --> 00:26:44,430 01 So looking forward to getting him on 739 00:26:44,430 --> 00:26:46,652 board and getting him up to speed . And 740 00:26:46,652 --> 00:26:48,874 next time you guys were in here , he'll 741 00:26:48,874 --> 00:26:51,097 be He'll be the one briefing you , so I 742 00:26:51,097 --> 00:26:53,208 know that will be , uh hey , we'll do 743 00:26:53,208 --> 00:26:55,374 incredibly a good job , but that as he 744 00:26:55,374 --> 00:26:57,374 has always done so I just wanted to 745 00:26:57,374 --> 00:26:59,430 take a moment . Thank all of you who 746 00:26:59,430 --> 00:27:01,541 cover the Pentagon . What do you guys 747 00:27:01,541 --> 00:27:03,763 do ? Is important . I've enjoyed almost 748 00:27:03,763 --> 00:27:05,930 all of our conversations over the past 749 00:27:05,930 --> 00:27:07,986 two years . I've been a privilege to 750 00:27:07,986 --> 00:27:10,152 speak to you guys from up here , and I 751 00:27:10,152 --> 00:27:09,960 really do appreciate the work you do . 752 00:27:09,960 --> 00:27:12,480 It's important . I want to thank the d 753 00:27:12,480 --> 00:27:14,424 o d . Public affairs teammates for 754 00:27:14,424 --> 00:27:16,591 their effort and sharing the good work 755 00:27:16,591 --> 00:27:18,536 of the department . I also want to 756 00:27:18,536 --> 00:27:18,370 thank those career military , civilian 757 00:27:18,380 --> 00:27:20,102 civil servants such as General 758 00:27:20,102 --> 00:27:22,324 Hawkinson and Tom . You're for all they 759 00:27:22,324 --> 00:27:24,436 do to make this a great institution . 760 00:27:24,436 --> 00:27:26,213 Uh , on finally , given all the 761 00:27:26,213 --> 00:27:28,213 country's been through recently and 762 00:27:28,213 --> 00:27:30,269 importantly with covitz civil unrest 763 00:27:30,269 --> 00:27:32,102 and the attack on the capital on 764 00:27:32,102 --> 00:27:34,324 January 6 , Um , it's important to note 765 00:27:34,324 --> 00:27:36,324 that in times a hazard the American 766 00:27:36,324 --> 00:27:38,047 people continue to turn to for 767 00:27:38,047 --> 00:27:40,850 assistance uh , the most great American , 768 00:27:40,850 --> 00:27:42,850 most trusted American institution , 769 00:27:42,850 --> 00:27:45,072 which is the U . S . Military . So at a 770 00:27:45,072 --> 00:27:47,128 time when when a lot of institutions 771 00:27:47,128 --> 00:27:49,350 and so many of them are under assault , 772 00:27:49,350 --> 00:27:51,183 the credibility , transparency , 773 00:27:51,183 --> 00:27:53,128 integrity , the department defense 774 00:27:53,128 --> 00:27:55,350 should be prize and husband the men and 775 00:27:55,350 --> 00:27:57,517 women in uniform and D o . D are among 776 00:27:57,517 --> 00:27:59,739 the best among all of us . And while we 777 00:27:59,739 --> 00:28:01,794 all do not want to find ourselves in 778 00:28:01,794 --> 00:28:03,794 times where the nation continues to 779 00:28:03,794 --> 00:28:05,906 need d o . D . To be a rock for civil 780 00:28:05,906 --> 00:28:07,850 society , um , we're here and will 781 00:28:07,850 --> 00:28:09,906 continue to perform that role and be 782 00:28:09,906 --> 00:28:12,017 capable of being such . But hopefully 783 00:28:12,017 --> 00:28:14,239 that time will pass soon on . When that 784 00:28:14,239 --> 00:28:16,128 does will return our focus to our 785 00:28:16,128 --> 00:28:18,350 mission and our foreign adversaries who 786 00:28:18,350 --> 00:28:20,461 have not been distracted one bit . So 787 00:28:20,461 --> 00:28:22,517 with that , take care . Get yourself 788 00:28:22,517 --> 00:28:24,517 vaccinated and I hope we'll see you 789 00:28:24,517 --> 00:28:24,760 guys again soon . Thanks .