(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has authorized the deployment of units from the Connecticut National Guard and the Connecticut State Police to Washington, D.C., to support security efforts for events related to the 60th United States Presidential Inauguration Ceremony.
The deployments come in response to mutual aid requests from the U.S. Department of Defense seeking additional National Guard security support, and from the Metropolitan Police Department seeking additional law enforcement support.
“The presidential inauguration ceremony is a time-honored tradition that celebrates the peaceful transfer of power in the United States, and the State of Connecticut stands ready to help ensure these activities move forward safely and securely,” Governor Lamont said.
More than 200 soldiers and airmen from the Connecticut National Guard deployed to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. They are expected to remain on active orders through Thursday, January 23, 2025.
They are tasked with providing security force augmentation to civilian authorities, command and control, and medical support. In conjunction with National Guard personnel from several other states, their role is to assist with public safety, provide security support to federal government assets, personnel, and critical infrastructure, and deter, prevent, and if necessary, respond to incidents in support of the overall security plan to assist with the transition of power or continuity of government.
The deployed soldiers and airmen consist of members from the 143rd Regional Support Group, 142nd Medical Company (Area Support), 85th Troop Command (85th TC), 143rd Military Police Company of the Connecticut Army National Guard, and the 103rd Air Wing of the Connecticut Air National Guard.
“Throughout our 388-year history, our Connecticut National Guardsmen remain well-trained and ready to answer the state and nation’s call to duty,” Major General Fran Evon, adjutant general and commander of the Connecticut National Guard, said. “Serving the people of Connecticut and this great nation will always be our top priority. Connecticut’s Home Team is proud to do our part to help ensure a peaceful transition of presidential power from one administration to the next in concert with our sister state National Guards, state, and federal agencies.”
Approximately 35 personnel from the Connecticut State Police are expected to deploy to Washington, D.C. on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Upon arriving, they will be deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service.
“These Connecticut State Troopers are experienced with all aspects of controlling large crowds at public events,” Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins said. “On Inauguration Day, they will join thousands of officers from across the country and assist in keeping everyone safe and secure at this historic event.”
The inauguration ceremony is scheduled for noon on Monday, January 20, 2025.
**Download: Letter from Governor Lamont authorizing deployment for inauguration security