Law enforcement and security agencies in and around Washington are sending reinforcements as they prepare to secure three high-profile events in the nation’s capital following the New Year’s Eve terrorist attack in New Orleans and the attack on a Cybertruck in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.
The first event will take place on Monday, when Congress meets to certify the results of the presidential election four years to the day since the January 6, 2021 riot at the Capitol.
The second will be the state funeral of the late President Jimmy Carter, which will begin with a ceremony and procession on Tuesday before ending on Thursday.
The last high-profile event will take place on January 20, when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated.
“This has never happened before. We have three (special national security events) in a 15-day period,” Matt McCool, special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Washington field office, told reporters Friday.
“But what I can tell you is that we are flexible. We are adaptable. We have been working on these events for, in some cases, years,” he said. “So we’re going to be prepared.”
Despite concerns over the New Orleans attack and the Las Vegas bombing, security officials are so far confident that the Washington events will go ahead safely.
“We are not tracking any credible or specific threats associated with these events,” said David Sundberg, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington field office.
Law enforcement and security agencies, however, are taking no chances, recognizing that the city and region operate in an environment of increased threat.
The Secret Service announced Friday that it was bringing in agents from across the country to bolster its troop numbers, which were already the highest in three years.
The Washington Metropolitan Police Department said it has added nearly 4,000 officers to its ranks from departments across the country.
The National Guard Bureau in the capital confirmed it had also approved requests for additional support, including providing 500 Guardsmen for the Jan. 6 election certification and liaison officers for state funerals.
An additional request for 7,800 National Guard troops and airmen to help with security during Trump’s inauguration is pending.
Enhanced security measures, including barriers and fencing, are already in place in parts of Washington and around the Capitol, but more are to come.
“A multitude of visible and invisible security measures will work in tandem to ensure a comprehensive and transparent security plan comes to fruition,” McCool said, adding that measures will include the use of aerial drones.
“The Secret Service will use drones as part of our overall security plan,” McCool said. “Don’t worry if you see these assets at upcoming events or practices in the days to come.”
The Metropolitan Police announced its enhanced security measures would come into force on Sunday, with specialist officers deployed across the city to respond to any emergencies.
The U.S. Capitol Police, whose 2,400 officers and civilian employees are charged with protecting the Capitol and members of Congress, also said they are better prepared to deal with contingencies than they were previously. four years ago when rioters unhappy with the outcome of the 2020 presidential election stormed the Capitol, forcing lawmakers to flee and injuring police officers.
About 1,560 people were charged with federal crimes during the riots. So far, around 979 people have pleaded guilty, while 210 others have been found guilty.
“Our nation’s capital stands ready to ensure that the legislative process continues without interruption and that our government enjoys a peaceful transfer of power,” said Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger, emphasizing that the force has implemented more than 100 recommendations made following the 2021 riot.
Officials in Washington are also preparing for possible protests, saying several planned demonstrations have already obtained required permits.
“We are committed to defending the right to peacefully assemble and protest here in our city,” said Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith.
“We invite visitors to come and experience what this incredible city has to offer, but those who intentionally engage in illegal activity should know that there will be consequences,” Smith said. “However, as I have said before, when we have special events, and I want to be very clear, we will not tolerate any violence, rioting, destruction of property or any behavior that threatens the safety and security of our city. “.
USA voanews
