Attacks fuel D.C.'s pre-inauguration security fears
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The Dome of the U.S. Capitol behind perimeter fencing on Jan. 1. Photo: Kent Nishimura/Getty Images
The deadly New Year's attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas have officials in Washington, D.C., on high alert about potential security threats ahead of President-elect Trump's inauguration.
Why it matters: Concerns about a possible wave of nationwide violence come as extraordinary security precautions are already being put in place for both the inauguration and Congress' certification of the 2024 election.
- One senior House Democrat told Axios that this week's attacks have rattled many lawmakers.
- A House Republican said they are "very concerned about security" because "we saw real terrorism this week," noting that a Trump property apparently was targeted in the Las Vegas attack.
- Even before the attacks, some House Democrats said they planned to skip the inauguration out of fear for their safety.
Driving the news: In New Orleans, a man identified as 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran Shamsud-Din-Jabbar allegedly drove his pickup truck onto a sidewalk on crowded Bourbon Street, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens.
- And in Las Vegas, a Tesla Cybertruck containing fireworks and fuel exploded outside Trump's Las Vegas hotel, killing the driver and injuring seven others.
What they're saying: D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department said Wednesday that it has "heightened its security posture" in response to the attacks.
- "As we approach upcoming major events in the District of Columbia, MPD will continue working with our local and federal partners to assess potential threats and make any necessary adjustments," the department said in a statement.
- D.C.'s Metro Transit Police also said they've "heightened security," including an "increased police presence" on public transit.
Zoom in: For the first time, the Department of Homeland Security has designated Congress' certification of presidential electors on Jan. 6 as a National Special Security Event — the same level of protection as inaugurations and the Super Bowl.
- It will be the first time since the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, that Congress meets to certify a presidential election — though, unlike in 2021, there are no serious efforts to try to overturn the election results.
- U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger told WTOP last month that security for Jan. 6 will be "night and day" from what it was four years ago.
- Fences have already been erected around the Capitol warning would-be trespassers about federal law that prohibits entering restricted grounds.
Both D.C. law enforcement agencies said Thursday there are "no known threats" to events in the city. U.S. Capitol Police said they have "already been ramping up security, as planned, ahead of a busy month."
- A senior House member with knowledge of the security preparations told Axios that the Capitol is "well fortified" and that "frankly, given all the steps we've taken ... we're about as secure as we've ever been."
- Even so, the lawmaker added that "we're obviously monitoring all of this. The violence everywhere is beyond troubling. ... There are ongoing concerns."
Zoom out: The New Year's attacks come amid a period of growing political violence, including a steady years-long rise in threats targeting members of Congress.
- The Jan. 6 attack, the 2021 Good Friday car attack, the assault of Paul Pelosi, a series of raucous Gaza-related protests and the two assassination attempts against Trump have fueled the push for tight security.
- Over Thanksgiving, Trump appointees and lawmakers from New England had their homes targeted by hoax bomb threats.
Go deeper: Congress shaken but not surprised by "unsettling" bomb threats
