JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) - Members of the Mississippi National Guard have been activated to provide aid to local authorities in Washington, D.C. ahead of next week’s presidential inauguration.

The inauguration is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 20 at the U.S. Capitol building.

Guardsmen will provide military and strategic support to law enforcement to ensure a safe environment for the event.

The Mississippi National Guard is part of a larger contingent of soldiers from various states activated in support of local authorities in Washington, D.C.

In response to a Mississippi legislator’s request for the Mississippi Guard to provide support, Gov. Tate Reeves’ press secretary stated, “The governor told the Mississippi National Guard to send troops if necessary even before the riots at the Capitol last week. Certainly, nothing has changed. There is no finer security force than the Mississippi National Guard, and they are always ready to assist national security if called upon.”

Following last week’s deadly riot at the Capitol, preparations have been underway to provide even more security for the upcoming inauguration.