Heightened security and road closures planned through inauguration day
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The Capitol perimeter has been hardened in preparation for inauguration day. Photo: ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images
D.C. will have high security this month, beginning on Monday when Congress certifies the presidential election and continuing through the inauguration.
Why it matters: On top of preparation for inauguration events and the state funeral for Jimmy Carter, authorities are on guard after the recent attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas.
What they're saying: Police presence has increased in D.C. out of an abundance of caution, but there are no "credible known threats" at this time, Metropolitan Police Department chief Pamela Smith said Friday.
- "We are operating in a heightened threat environment," added David Sundberg, who heads the FBI's Washington Field Office.
Zoom in: The presidential vote certification was elevated to a "National Special Security Event" for the first time ever this year because of the Jan. 6 riot. With the inauguration and Carter's funeral, that makes three such events in one month — which officials say has never happened before.
- Expect State of the Union Address-level security around the U.S. Capitol. The Secret Service leads coordination with Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department, FBI and other agencies.
The intrigue: The chief of the Capitol Police, Tom Manger, said he recently asked officers for a show of hands from those who were on staff during the Jan. 6 riot.
- About half raised their hands, "and the other half came here knowing exactly what they were getting into," he said. "If you ask them, most of them are here because of January 6."
Traffic and transit heads up: President Carter's remains will arrive at Joint Base Andrews midday on Tuesday. Motorcades and a funeral procession between the Naval Memorial and U.S. Capitol will bring road closures and restrictions.
- Carter will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda from Tuesday evening to Thursday morning. The Archives-Navy Memorial Metro station will close on Monday at 5pm and reopen on Wednesday at 5am. Check online for over a dozen Metrobus detours.
- The state funeral at the National Cathedral on Thursday will bring added road closures across Northwest.
What's next: Restrictions for the inauguration on Jan. 20 will be announced later. Law enforcement officials say they're preparing to ensure order during potential demonstrations, weekend balls and a "Make America Great Again Victory Rally" at Capital One Arena on Jan. 19.