In the wake of a deadly New Year's Day terror attack in New Orleans and a second suspected terror incident in Las Vegas, Washington, D.C. is ramping up security in anticipation of a series of high-profile events, including the certification of the presidential election, the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter, and the inauguration of Donald Trump. The capital city's security officials are taking no chances, with Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith confirming bolstered safety measures. "Any time there is an incident such as what happened in New Orleans, we always heighten our security," Smith stated to WJLA.
For the upcoming inauguration and funeral, D.C. police are tasked with swiftly adapting to the heightened security measures. According to FOX 5, former U.S. Secret Service agent and current professor Robert McDonald expects that "an already robust D.C. security plan will be tightened." Visible safety measures, such as dump trucks blocking intersections around the Capitol, are anticipated, with the public advised to remain aware of their surroundings in case of emergencies.
The Department of Homeland Security has classified the forthcoming ceremonies as national special security events, a designation which unlocks much-needed federal funds and law enforcement resources. Over the next few weeks, the city will experience an influx of attendees for both the inauguration and Carter's state funeral. In a city where high-stakes events are routine, a statement from MPD emphasized no known threats but spoke to a reinforced security posture. "While there is no known threat to the District of Columbia, out of an abundance of caution, MPD has heightened its security posture across the city in light of recent events," the department communicated in FOX 5’s report.
Amid these security upgrades comes visible proof, such as "vehicle barriers blocked access to F Street," noted by NBC Washington around Capital One Arena, and an increased presence of Metro Transit Police around high-traffic metro stations. After Wednesday's events, Metro Transit Police were quick to announce a change in security measures. "While there are no known threats to Metro, MTPD has heightened security across the system out of an abundance of caution," the agency posted, signaling an era where the unpredictable has become an all but foreseen visitor to the capital’s doorstep, as reported by WJLA.
