BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Hundreds of National Guard members from Massachusetts are currently in the nation's Capitol, prepared for any potential civil unrest during inauguration week.
Members of the 181st and 182nd infantry, two of the oldest units in the U.S., departed from Melrose, Mass. on Saturday morning bound for Washington D.C.
For Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn, it's bringing back memories of a similar mission he was involved in during the presidential inauguration 16 years ago.
Councillor Flynn served in 2005 in the U.S Navy at the U.S. Armed Forces inaugural committee, which was the second inauguration of George W. Bush. Basked on his experience there, Councilor Flynn said he has plenty of faith in the service.
"I do know that the National Guard troops that are coming are well trained, are committed to their job, and are disciplined," Flynn said.
Read More: 500 Members Of Massachusetts' National Guard Deploy To D.C.
The infantry units from Massachusetts are specifically assigned to protecting the Capitol building. After the events of January 6th, that could be a difficult task. But Councilor Flynn said he thinks they can handle it.
"We're proud of them," he said, "and I know they're going to do a great job."
WBZ NewsRadio's Matt Shearer reports:
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Written by Brit Smith
(Photo: Getty Images)