Law enforcement and security agencies in and around Washington are bringing in reinforcements as they prepare to secure three high-profile events in the nation’s capital, following the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans and the bombing of 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 after the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021.
The second will be the state funeral of the late President Jimmy Carter, which will begin with a ceremony and procession on Tuesday and conclude on Thursday.
The last high-profile event will take place on January 20, when the president-elect Donald Trump.
“That had never happened before. we have three [Eventos Especiales de Seguridad Nacional] over a 15-day period,” Matt McCool, special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office, told reporters on Friday.
“But what I will tell you is that we are flexible. We are adaptable. We have been working on these events, in some cases, years,” he said. “So, let’s be prepared.”
Despite concerns stemming from the New Orleans attack and the Las Vegas bombing, security officials are so far confident that events in Washington will unfold 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.
However, law enforcement and security agencies are taking no chances, recognizing that the city and region are operating in a heightened threat environment.
The Secret Service said Friday it would bring in agents from around the country to boost staffing levels, 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 capital’s National Guard Bureau confirmed that it also approved requests for additional support, including the provision of 500 guards for the official electoral certification events on January 6 and for the state funeral.
An additional request for 7,800 National Guard soldiers and airmen to help with security for Trump’s inauguration is pending.
Increased security measures, including barriers and fencing, are already in place in parts of Washington and around the Capitol, but more are coming.
“A multitude of visible and invisible security measures will operate together to ensure that a comprehensive and seamless security plan comes to fruition,” McCool said, adding that the measures will include the use of aerial drones.
“The Secret Service will use drones as part of our comprehensive security plan,” McCool said. “Don’t be alarmed if you see these assets during upcoming events or trainings in the coming days.”
The Metropolitan Police Department said its increased security measures would come into effect from Sunday, with specialized officers deployed across the city to respond to any emergencies.
The U.S. Capitol Police, whose 2,400 officers and civilian employees are responsible for protecting the Capitol and members of Congress, also reported that they were more prepared to handle contingencies than they were four years ago, when rioters, upset by the outcome of the elections, 2020 presidential election, stormed the Capitol, forcing lawmakers to flee and insulting police officers.
About 1,560 people have been charged with federal crimes during the unrest. So far, around 979 have pleaded guilty, while another 210 have been convicted.
“Our nation’s capital is prepared to ensure that the legislative process proceeds without interruption and that our government has a peaceful transfer of power,” said Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger, noting that the force has implemented more than 100 recommendations made after the 2021 riots.
Officials in Washington are also preparing for possible protests, saying that several planned demonstrations have already obtained the necessary permits.
“We are committed to defending the right to peacefully assemble and protest here in our city,” said Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith.
“We welcome visitors to come and experience what this incredible city has to offer, but those who deliberately engage in illegal activities should know there will be consequences,” Smith said. “However, as I said before, when we have special events, and I want to make it clear, we will not tolerate any violence, riots, destruction of property or any behavior that threatens the safety of our city.”
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