D.C. officials are preparing for a large turnout at the upcoming inauguration, ensuring safety with extensive security measures in place.
To keep everyone safe, they’re putting up 30 miles of anti-scale fencing and concrete barriers around the Capitol. U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger hopes this will help keep protests at a distance.
There’s also a People’s March planned, with about 25,000 protestors expected. Chief Pamela Smith assured that D.C. is ready for any demonstrations, peaceful or otherwise. She emphasized that they won’t tolerate any law-breaking.
Secret Service agent Matt McCool described this year’s security as “more robust” than in 2021. He’s confident that the plan will keep everyone safe.
FBI assistant director David Sundberg mentioned there are no specific threats right now, but they’re staying vigilant due to the event’s scale.
Manger pointed out that the biggest concern is a “lone actor” trying to disrupt things. He recalled a recent incident where two individuals attempted to cause trouble during a memorial for former President Jimmy Carter.
Mayor Bowser advised D.C. residents to plan ahead for the influx of visitors and road closures. She suggested using public transport to avoid traffic.
WMATA General Manager Randy Clarke announced that trains will start running at 4 a.m. on Inauguration Day, with more frequent service than usual. Road closures will begin Sunday and last through Tuesday.
