In the hours leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, law enforcement across D.C. remained on high alert for any potential threats.
With at least two assassination attempts on Trump during the 2024 campaign, it only stands to reason that security is a major concern for everyone involved in organizing the ceremony.
For various agencies, that means taking a variety of extra precautions, as Fox News reported:
Matt McCool, special agent in charge for the Secret Service’s Washington Field Office, said of security preparations, “The Federal Aviation Administration will announce temporary flight restrictions in and around Washington, D.C.”
The U.S. Coast Guard will communicate any maritime restrictions, which will also be linked to the inauguration website. Additional fencing and concrete barriers will supplement the fencing already around the Capitol for the election certification and President Carter’s funeral.
He added that the amount of fencing that will be used for the event is more than any other designated National Special Security Event in the past.
David Sundberg of the FBI’s Washington Field Office said the bureau was not tracking “any specific or credible threats” for Inauguration Day but urged people to remain vigilant.
Earlier this month, the National Guard said it would be sending 7,800 troops to the inauguration.
ADVERTISEMENTMetropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said city police officers will be joined by nearly 4,000 officers from across the country who volunteered to provide support on Inauguration Day.
A number of security efforts were announced via social media:
🌨❄️ Weather won't stop the Coast Guard!
300+ Coast Guard personnel from the area and across the country are working on our capital's waterway’s ensuring safety and security during the inauguration. #DC #Potomac #inauguration #CoastGuard #uscg pic.twitter.com/sCLY4N9r7b
— U.S. Coast Guard (@USCG) January 20, 2025
The City of Miami Police Department is fully prepared to contribute to the safety and security efforts, alongside numerous other law enforcement agencies from across the nation, in anticipation of President Donald Trump's inauguration. God Bless America! 🇺🇸 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/WeqITefMZO
— Miami PD (@MiamiPD) January 19, 2025
A venue change for the event led to some speculation that safety was a greater concern than officials had indicated:
I'm sorry but something is up in Washington DC.
We can't gather in the usual place for the Inauguration because it's too cold. I am here… it is not that cold.
Now indoor events are apparently being canceled.
If there is a security threat here in DC we deserve to know.
— The Gay Republican 🇺🇲✝️🇮🇱 (@GayRepublicSwag) January 19, 2025
Trump’s inauguration on Monday will be in the Capitol Rotunda with about 2,000 guests.
Only members of Congress, their spouses, other high-ranking officials, and Trump’s family will be allowed inside.
Weather and security were issues.
Protect Trump!pic.twitter.com/3VCJFbM7y6
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) January 18, 2025
The Washington Times provided additional details about the security in place across the nation’s capital:
More than 25,000 military and law enforcement personnel will be deployed around the city as hundreds of thousands of visitors and protesters descend on the nation’s capital for the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol and the demonstrations and inaugural balls around town.
The most affected areas will be the areas of the National Mall, the Capitol, the Washington Convention Center and Union Station.
ADVERTISEMENTThe National Park Service announced the Washington Monument will be closed to the public. The Smithsonian museums on and near the National Mall also will be closed, along with the nearby American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery.
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!