Washington D.C. is gearing up for a high-stakes month with a series of high-profile events, including the Electoral College vote count on January 6 and the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20. After a fatal vehicle attack in New Orleans, security measures have been ramped up across the city in anticipation of these crucial moments.
The U.S. Capitol Police have announced increased vigilance, and temporary fencing is already visible around the Capitol building, a measure regularly used following the 2021 Capitol riot. Authorities are taking no chances and have bolstered security with a heightened police presence, not just around the Capitol but throughout the city.
Mayor Muriel Bowser has scheduled a press conference to discuss the city’s security posture, and the Department of Homeland Security has labeled the electoral vote count a “national security event,” in light of the 2021 riot. The inauguration is also under the same heightened designation.
Officials have been working for months to plan for these events, and more than 4,000 police officers from various agencies are expected to be deployed to ensure safety. The FBI is also involved, investigating recent attacks to determine any potential links. As Washington prepares for an intense political month, the city’s tight security measures are a reminder of the challenges faced in protecting the capital during moments of national significance.
