House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Friday appointed Gen. William J. Walker to serve as the next House Seargent-at-Arms, making him the first African American to hold the position.

Why it matters: Paul D. Irving, the former Sergeant-at-Arms, resigned one day after the pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan 6.

Details: Walker is the commanding general of the DC National Guard, where he is responsible for the strategic leadership and training of Army and Air Force guardsmen and -women.

• He has 39 years of decorated military experience.
• He also served as a special agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for 30 years.
• He served as chair of the National Guard Bureau’s Joint Diversity Executive Council responsible for leveraging diversity and inclusion best practices to develop, and provide recommendations to National Guard senior leaders. 

What they're saying: “Throughout his long, dedicated career in public service, Gen. William Walker has proven to be a leader of great integrity and experience who will bring his steady and patriotic leadership to this vital role,” Pelosi said in a statement.

• “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.

Timothy P. Blodgett has been serving as the acting Sergeant-at-Arms since Jan. 11.