Arlington County is gearing up for the 60th Presidential Inauguration with extensive safety preparations for the celebratory event scheduled to occur on January 20, 2025, at the United States Capitol. In acknowledgment of both the Inauguration Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Arlington County Government offices and facilities will be closed.
According to a press release from Arlington County's website, the Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is deploying additional police resources, both visible and covert, in anticipation of the inaugural activities. In a step to bolster security, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, are authorized to fly over the region from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on that day. However, these flights are tightly regulated and coordinated with entities including the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration. The public should be aware that apart from this special event's circumstances, Arlington County is a No Drone Zone, with recreational drone flights prohibited.
ACPD has stressed the importance of community vigilance, advising the public to maintain their regular routines but to stay observant, especially in crowded spaces. In line with the "If You See Something, Say Something®" campaign, residents and visitors are urged to report suspicious behaviors or unattended items by contacting the police at 703-558-2222, or 9-1-1 in emergencies, or by utilizing the online Homeland Security Tip Form.
The county has emphasized that there are currently no known threats to the area. As detailed on Arlington County's official notification, the ACPD's Homeland Security Section works in sync with local, state, and federal agencies to gather and analyze intelligence. The Section also has officers assigned to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force to ensure close coordination with regional law enforcement partners.
Residents and attendees can stay informed by registering for Arlington Alert to receive emergency notifications. For additional details on the preparations for the inauguration ceremony in Washington, D.C., interested parties can visit the DC Government website.
