Law enforcement and security agencies in Washington and surrounding areas are mobilizing reinforcements as they prepare to secure three major events in the U.S. capital. These developments come after the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans and the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.
The first event will take place on Monday, when the new Congress meets to certify the results of the presidential election, four years after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots.
The second event will be the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter, starting with ceremonies on Tuesday and concluding on Thursday.
The final event will be on January 20, when the newly elected President, Donald Trump, will be inaugurated.
“This has never happened before. We have three (national security) events within a 15-day period,” Matt McCool from the Washington office of the Secret Service told reporters on Friday.
“But I want to tell you that we are adjusting to the needs. We have been working for years on such events. So we will be prepared,” he added.
Despite concerns arising from the attack in New Orleans and the explosion in Las Vegas, security officials have expressed confidence that events in Washington will proceed safely.
“We do not have any credible or specific threats regarding these events,” said David Sundberg, assistant director of the FBI’s Washington office.
Law enforcement and security agencies have taken enhanced measures, given that the city and region are facing an environment with heightened risks.
The Secret Service announced on Friday that it is bringing agents from across the country to increase presence, which is already at its highest level in the past three years.
The Metropolitan Police Department of Washington said it has deployed approximately 4,000 officers from various departments across the country.
The National Guard confirmed it has approved requests for additional support, including the deployment of 500 more Guard members for the certification of the election on January 6 and liaison officers for the state funeral.
A further request is under consideration for 7,800 additional military personnel from the Guard to secure the inauguration of the elected President Trump.
“A range of visible and invisible security measures will be coordinated to ensure the successful execution of the comprehensive plan,” said Secret Service agent McCool.
Washington Police announced that heightened security measures will come into effect on Sunday. Specialized officers will be deployed throughout the city to be on standby in case of any emergency.
The Capitol Police, which has 2,400 officers and civilian employees responsible for protecting the Capitol and members of Congress, stated it is now better prepared for emergencies compared to four years ago.
/VOA
