Washington closes subway stations, Delta bans weapons for DC before opening

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The nation’s capitals and cities have increased security before the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden amid warnings of possible political violence, even after the January 20 oath.

Delta, Alaska, American and United Airlines announced on Thursday that they will not allow passengers flying to Washington area airports to check firearms on their flights before the inauguration.

Delta Chief Executive Ed Bastian told CNBC that his airline has put passengers on a no-fly list for its involvement in disturbing incidents that, for example, targeted Republican Senator Mitt Romney.

The national railway service Amtrak also said it would implement enhanced security measures, including the deployment of additional police on the trains.

The actions follow the attack on the U.S. Capitol last week by supporters of President Donald Trump and disturbances in flights and airports. Authorities warned of plans for armed protests in Washington and in all 50 states.

In his first public appearance since the January 6 attack, Vice President Mike Pence said: “We will ensure that we have a secure tenure and that President-elect Joe Biden, Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris are sworn in as new president and vice president. “

FBI Director Christopher Wray said he was “concerned about the potential for violence in several protests and rallies planned here in DC and in buildings in the state capital across the country.”

Biden asked Lisa Monaco, her choice as deputy attorney general and anti-terrorism adviser to former President Barack Obama, to serve as a temporary homeland security adviser before taking office.

In Washington, the perimeter of a high fence around the Capitol has been expanded to include the United States Supreme Court and the Library of Congress.

Nearby roads were closed, some companies said they would close next week, and the city’s public transport agency said it was closing certain subway stations and redirecting bus lines from Friday to January 21.

The National Park Service said that a decision has not yet been made on whether to close the National Mall, which runs from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. The park service closed the Washington Monument for tours, and Mayor Muriel Bowser asked visitors to stay away from the city.

Law enforcement officials warned of potential violence outside the US capital. In Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine said on Thursday that the state chamber and state office buildings in downtown Columbus would be closed from Sunday to Wednesday.

BEYOND THE OPENING

Mary McCord, head of the Justice Department’s national security division under former President Barack Obama, warned that the threat could remain well beyond possession.

“You will see a resurgence in activity, planning and threats from extremists. So I don’t think this problem will go away with the president leaving the White House, ”said McCord.

The US House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to impeach Trump on charges of incitement after his supporters invaded the Capitol, leaving five dead, after a speech by the Republican president reiterating his false claim that Biden, a Democrat, beaten because of widespread fraud.

Federal authorities arrested dozens of people as part of their investigation into the attack on the Capitol. A Congressional official said the Senate Intelligence Committee will investigate how law enforcement agencies deal with the intelligence that preceded the attack once Democrats take control of the Senate.

More than 30 House Democrats, including legislator Mikie Sherrill, asked House and Senate arms sergeants and the Capitol Police Chief Acting Officer for visitor records, videos and other information about who was in the building that day.

Sherrill, who accused Republicans of inciting the pro-Trump crowd, said he saw colleagues leading groups on Capitol “recon” trips the day before the Jan. 6 attack.