D.C. will ramp up security between Election Day and inauguration
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D.C. is beefing up security from Election Day through Inauguration Day to avoid a repeat of the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot.
Why it matters: Locals may feel added stress and disruption as the city prepares for potential unrest.
State of play: Officials are eyeing several key dates over the 11 weeks to deploy more police, set up security perimeters and ask citizens to be on heightened alert. They include:
- Nov. 5: Election Day
- Dec. 17: When electors vote in their states
- Jan. 6: When the presidential race is certified in Congress
- Jan. 19-21: Inauguration activity
What they're saying: "The next several months will be very fluid and unpredictable," said Chris Rodriguez, the head of D.C.'s local homeland security agency, in a briefing Tuesday.
- Authorities assume a presidential victor won't be declared on election night, and that it could take days or weeks. Vote-counting delays due to mail-in or absentee voting are expected in key swing states.
- "Pervasive misinformation and disinformation" that could fuel unrest are also on the minds of local officials, per a briefing presentation.
What to expect: For locals, Capitol Hill could see added detours and disruptions on Jan. 6.
- A more robust security presence that day might affect five schools in the vicinity, a spokesperson for Council member Charles Allen's office tells Axios.
- For the first time, the Department of Homeland Security has designated the certification of Electoral College votes as a "National Special Security Event" — a status that comes with a Super Bowl or State of the Union-level security.
Then during the inauguration, thousands of police officers from across the country will come to Washington to assist, Rodriguez said.
Zoom in: Business groups will hold a weekly call with the Bowser administration to stay updated on security measures.
- Some businesses are wondering whether they should board up their windows, Council member Brooke Pinto said during the briefing with the mayor.
The bottom line: Residents should be flexible — that's the biggest message from Mayor Muriel Bowser — as the city adapts to changing conditions.