US capital locks down as security threats mount

US National Guard.

Members of the Virginia National Guard carry weapons outside the US Capitol on January 14, 2021 in Washington, DC. PHOTO | AFP

The centre of Washington was in lockdown Thursday as more than 20,000 armed National Guard troops were mobilised following the deadly assault on the Capitol and the threat of more violence at the presidential inauguration of Joe Biden.

Police chief Robert Contee said the US capital was facing "a major security threat" after supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building a week ago in a violent bid to block Biden's confirmation that left five people dead.