Washington, DC is taking a defensive stance in preparation for Induction Day. Some 25,000 National Guard soldiers were allowed to descend on the city at the behest of the Secret Service.
Here’s everything you need to know about the city’s security plan:
Secret Service Leads in Security Details
Each year, the presidential inauguration is designated a recurring national special security event (NSSE). When an event receives this designation, the Secret Service becomes the primary 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 assignment from January 13 to January 21, the day after President-elect Joe Biden was sworn in.
The agency called in reinforcements in the form of 25,000 members of the National Guard to help protect the city’s central region.
National Guard members patrol outside the Capitol at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, January 14, 2021. (Associated Press)
In addition to the Capitol Police, thousands of local police from different states will provide support to the DC police, and hundreds of FBI agents are expected to be on the scene as well.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency also distributed funds to DC and neighboring areas in Maryland and Virginia, said Maryann Tierney, a regional administrator.
Ambulances will be set up near the Capitol, and food and water supplies will also be brought closer to the district if needed.
Double threat: coronavirus pandemic and violent extremists
The 59th presidential inauguration to swear at Biden faced unique obstacles due to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the growing security threat after a riot at the country’s Capitol earlier this month left five people dead.
Even before that, Biden’s inaugural committee encouraged supporters to celebrate in the comfort of their homes, as the team made provisions to have live broadcasts and virtual celebrations to keep viewers to a minimum and prevent the spread of the virus.
President-elect Joe Biden receives his second dose of the coronavirus vaccine at Christiana Care Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del., Monday, January 11, 2021. (Associated Press)
The FBI is now warning that agents have seen “chatter” constituting a credible threat from protesters with the intention of instigating a “war” in Washington, DC
City officials are erecting a perimeter across the city center, putting up barriers around the White House, the National Mall and the Capitol. To travel around the perimeter, people will need to provide proof of the essential purpose.
The National Mall will remain closed until opening and socializing permits have been suspended, with the exception of two designated areas – the Navy Memorial and John Marshall Park – which will accommodate about 100 protesters on the day of the event.
Road closures and traffic interruptions
Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the city’s metro has closed 13 of its stations, as well as four main bridges. Transit lines, including trains and buses, will be suspended and large lanes of streets within and around the Capitol will be closed.
District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks during a news conference in Washington on Wednesday, November 4, 2020. (Associated Press)
Statehouses at risk
Government houses across the country – many of which have faced sometimes violent protests – also face high security risks.
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Dozens of state leaders activated National Guard troops to provide support to local security forces days before the power transition.