Former National Guard General William Walker was sworn in as House of Representatives Sergeant-at-Arms by Speaker Nancy Pelosi yesterday, making him the first African-American person to hold the post.
Pelosi selected Walker for the position in March in the wake of the January 6 Capitol insurrection and the resignation of former Sergeant-at-Arms Paul Irving. Timothy Blodgett served as temporary Sergeant-at-Arms until Walker officially took over the position.
“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,” said Nancy Pelosi in a statement.
An officer of the House whose history extends back to the First Congress, the Sergeant-at-Arms is the chamber’s principal law enforcement official, charged with maintaining security on the floor and for the House side of the Capitol complex.
The modern Sergeant-at-Arms serves on the Capitol Police Board and the Capitol Guide Board along with the Senate Sergeant at Arms and the Architect of the Capitol.
The Sergeant-at-Arms also enforces protocol and ensures decorum during floor proceedings. The Mace, which symbolizes the authority of the House, is maintained by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms. On occasion, the Sergeant-at-Arms has presented the Mace to restore order on the floor.
The Sergeant-at-Arms also is empowered to compel absent Members onto the House floor to conduct business. The office’s duties also include administrative functions: arranging Capitol funerals, managing parking facilities, and issuing identification to Members and staff.