On Monday (April 26), William Walker made history as the first Black American to serve as the sergeant-at-arms for the US House of Representatives. Walker previously served as the 23rd Commanding General of the Washington, D.C. National Guard.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi delivered the oath to Walker who will be in charge of escorting President Joe Biden into the House chamber on Wednesday (April 28) for the president’s address, The Hill reported. Walker, a native of Chicago, is the 38th Sergeant-at-Arms for the House.
General Walker was in charge of the D.C. National Guard during the January 6 Capitol riot and testified that he encountered resistance from Army officials before being able to provide assistance to Capitol Police.
“The Army senior leaders did not think that it looked good, it would be a good optic. They further stated that it could incite the crowd,” Walker said during a Senate hearing in March.
Walker follows Timothy Blodgett who was acting House sergeant-at-arms following the resignation of Paul Irving who was in the role during the insurrection.
Pelosi announced Walker’s appointment in late March and called it “historic” at the time.
“His historic appointment as the first Black American to serve as Sergeant-at-Arms is an important step forward for this institution and our nation,” Pelosi said while adding that his experience “will be an important asset to the House.”
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