washington —
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 terror attack in New Orleans and the Cybertruck bombing in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.
The first event will occur Monday, when Congress meets to certify results of the presidential election four years to the day since the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
The second will be the state funeral for the late President Jimmy Carter, starting with a ceremony and procession on Tuesday before wrapping up on Thursday.
The last high-profile event will come Jan. 20, when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated.
“That has never happened before. We have three [National Special Security Events] over a 15-day period,” Matt McCool, U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office special agent in charge, told reporters Friday.
“But what I will tell you is we’re flexible. We’re adaptable. We’ve been working on these events for, in some cases, years,” he said. “So, we’re going to be prepared.”
Despite concerns stemming from the New Orleans attack and the Las Vegas bombing, security officials are confident so far that the Washington events will proceed safely.
“We are not tracking any credible or specific threats associated with these events,” said David Sundberg, assistant director in charge at the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
The law enforcement and security agencies, however, are not taking any chances, acknowledging that the city and the region are operating in a heightened threat environment.
The Secret Service said Friday that it was bringing in agents from across the country to boost staffing levels, which were already the highest they have been in three years.
Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department said it has added to its ranks almost 4,000 officers from departments across the country.
The capital’s National Guard Bureau confirmed it also has approved requests for additional support, including the provision of 500 guardsmen for the Jan. 6 election certification and liaison officers for the state funeral.
An additional request for 7,800 National Guard soldiers and airmen to assist with security for the Trump inauguration is pending.
Increased security measures, including barriers and fencing, are already up in parts of Washington and around the Capitol, but more are coming.
“A multitude of seen and unseen security measures will operate in tandem to ensure 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. “Do not be alarmed if you see these assets during the upcoming events or training in the days ahead.”
The Metropolitan Police Department said its increased security measures would go into effect starting Sunday, with the deployment of specialized officers around 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 said they were more prepared to handle contingencies than they were four years ago, when rioters upset with the outcome of the 2020 presidential election stormed the Capitol, forcing lawmakers to flee and injuring police officers.
About 1,560 people have been charged with federal crimes in the riot. So far, about 979 have pleaded guilty, while another 210 have been convicted.
“Our nation’s capital is prepared to ensure that the legislative process will proceed without disruption, and our government will have a peaceful transfer of power,” said Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger, noting that the force has implemented more than 100 recommendations made following the 2021 riot.
Officials in Washington are also bracing for potential protests, saying several planned demonstrations have already gotten required permits.
“We are committed to upholding 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 are intentional on unlawful activity should know that there will be consequences,” Smith said. “However, as I’ve stated before, when we have special events, and I want to be very clear, that we will not tolerate any violence, rioting, destruction of property, or any behavior that threatens the safety and security of our city.”
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