William J. Walker | |
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38th Sergeant at Arms of the United States House of Representatives | |
In office April 26, 2021 โ January 7, 2023 | |
Leader | Nancy Pelosi |
Preceded by | Timothy Blodgett |
Succeeded by | William McFarland |
Personal details | |
Born | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
Military service | |
Allegiance | ![]() |
Branch/service | ![]() |
Years of service | 1981โ2021 |
Rank | ![]() |
Commands |
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Battles/wars | War in Afghanistan |
William J. Walker is a retired United States Army major general and former Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. House of Representatives. He was the 38th House Sergeant at Arms and the first African-American to hold the office. He last served as the 23rd Commanding General of the District of Columbia National Guard.[1] This responsibility includes command of the District of Columbia Army and Air National Guard units. Walker previously served in the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Special Agent and was promoted to the Senior Executive Service in January 2003, with his final assignment being Deputy Assistant Administrator in Charge of the Office of Strategic Warning Intelligence. Walker is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a National Academy of Public Administration Fellow.
In March 2021, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced her intention to appoint Walker as Sergeant at Arms of the United States House of Representatives.[2] He was sworn in on April 26, 2021.[3] In January 2023 when Kevin McCarthy became Speaker, Walker was directed to resign in order for McCarthy to make his own permanent choice for SAA following a nationwide search. The office is currently run by the incumbent William McFarland.