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Washington, DC adopts a defensive posture as opening day approaches. Some 25,000 National Guard soldiers have been authorized to descend on the city at the request of the secret services.
Here’s everything you need to know about the city’s security plan:
Secret service leads the security details
Each year, the presidential inauguration is designated as a Special National Security Event (NSSE). When an event receives this designation, the Secret Service becomes the federal agency responsible for coordinating the security of the event.
Matt Miller, the special agent in charge of the Secret Service, said the city extended the special security designation from Jan.13 to Jan.21, the day after President-elect Joe Biden was sworn in.
The agency called in reinforcements in the form of 25,000 National Guard members to help secure the downtown area of the city.
Members of the National Guard patrol the Capitol Hill on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, January 14, 2021 (Associated Press)
In addition to the Capitol Police, thousands of local law enforcement officers from different states will support the DC Police, and hundreds of FBI agents are also expected to be on the ground.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has also deployed resources to Washington DC and surrounding areas of Maryland and Virginia, said Maryann Tierney, a regional administrator.
Ambulances will be pre-installed near the Capitol, and food and water sources will also be brought closer to the neighborhood if necessary.
Double threat: coronavirus pandemic and violent extremists
The 59th presidential inauguration to swear in Biden faced unique hurdles due to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the heightened security threat after a riot on the nation’s Capitol earlier this month that left five people dead.
Even before that, Biden’s inaugural committee encouraged supporters to celebrate from the comfort of their homes, as the team arranged to have live broadcasts and virtual celebrations to keep spectators to a minimum and prevent the spread. virus.
President-elect Joe Biden receives his second dose of the coronavirus vaccine at ChristianaCare Christiana Hospital in Newark, New York, on Monday, January 11, 2021 (Associated Press)
FBI now warns agents saw “gossip” as a credible threat from protesters keen to start “war” in Washington, DC
City officials are erecting a perimeter throughout the downtown area, erecting barriers around the White House, the National Mall and the Capitol. To walk the perimeter, people will need to provide proof of their essential purpose.
The National Mall will be closed until the grand opening and assembly permits have been suspended, with the exception of two designated areas – at the Navy Memorial and John Marshall Park – which will host around 100 protesters on the day of the event.
Road closures and disruption of public transport
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the city’s subway had closed 13 of its stations as well as four major bridges. Public transport lines, including trains and buses, will be suspended and large sections of streets in and around the Capitol will be closed.
District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks at a press conference in Washington, Wednesday, November 4, 2020 (Associated Press)
Statehouses in danger
The country’s state houses – many of which have faced sometimes violent protests – also face heightened security risks.
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Dozens of heads of state activated National Guard troops to provide support to local law enforcement agencies days before the transition of power.
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