The United States security forces have announced an imposing operation to guarantee security during the inauguration of donald trumpscheduled for next January 20 and admit the possibility of an attempted “lone wolf” attack.
The special agent of the Secret Service for Washington, Matt McCool, assured at a press conference this Monday that there is “a more threatening environment” compared to the last inauguration of Joe Biden, in 2021, which took place in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are 100% confident that the plan designed will guarantee the safety of the public and the authorities”McCool declared.
Considered a special national security event, US authorities have deployed an unprecedented device to guarantee the ceremony’s uneventful development.
The operation will have the participation of 25,000 agents and members of the National Guard, in addition to more than 30 miles of fencing to protect the National Mall and the Capitol.
United States Secret Service Special Agent Matt McCool said that “all attendees will be subject to security checks”with designated inspection points and flight restrictions around the capital.
McCool also noted that the event expects to host hundreds of thousands of people, as well as high-profile political figures.
In parallel, the chief of the DC Police, Pamela Smithconfirmed the activation of the entire local police department, reinforced with 4,000 additional officers from across the country.
Besides, 7,800 members of the National Guard will be available to assist in the inaugural events.
“We will not tolerate any type of violence. We want people to enjoy our city, but those who break the law will be arrested and held accountable for their actions,” Smith said.
The mayor of DC, Muriel Bowserstressed that security measures will extend beyond the ceremony, with visible patrols, barriers and road closures in central Washington.
“The impact of the inauguration will be felt primarily around the National Mall, the Capitol and Union Station,” Bowser explained.
The threat of “lone wolves” and recent history
“The biggest threat” to the inauguration, according to the chief of the Capitol Police, Tom Mangeris the possibility of attacks by “lone wolves.”
“The threat of a lone wolf remains our greatest concern and warrants a state of high alert”he indicated.
In recent days, two incidents at the Capitol raised the alarm: one person tried to enter the funeral chapel of former President Jimmy Carter with knives, while another was arrested for trying to set fire to a vehicle near Congress.
These facts, added to the Trump assassination attempt during his election campaign and mass attack on New Year’s Eve in New Orleanshave reinforced the need for extreme measures.
Coordination between agencies and technological security
David Sundbergdeputy director of the FBI in Washington, assured that the operation has two main command posts, one in the local FBI office and another in its headquarters.
“At the moment We are not tracking any specific or credible threats to the inaugural ceremony or the Capitol complex, but we urge the public to remain vigilant.”Sundberg noted.
The transportation system will also be monitored.
According to Randy Clarkegeneral director of Metro, more than 900 security agents will supervise public transportation, which will open at 4 am on the day of the inauguration to handle the influx of people.
Donald Trump will take office at noon next Monday on the steps of the Capitol, surrounded by authorities and in front of thousands of attendees who will gather on the National Mall to see him assume his second presidential term.
Frequently asked questions about Donald Trump’s inauguration and security measures
When will Donald Trump’s inauguration as US president be?
Donald Trump’s inauguration is scheduled for January 20, 2025at 12:00 pm (Eastern Time), on the steps of the United States Capitol in Washington DC
What security measures will be implemented during Trump’s inauguration?
During Trump’s inauguration, an unprecedented security device will be deployed that will include 25,000 agents and members of the National Guardmore than 30 miles of anti-climb fencing, security checks for all attendees and flight restrictions around the capital. These measures seek to guarantee security against the threat of “lone wolves.”
What are the main threats during Trump’s inauguration?
The main concern of the authorities is the possible attacks of “lone wolves”individuals acting on their own account. This threat has led to a state of high alert, especially after recent incidents at the Capitol.
How will security agencies coordinate during the inauguration?
The security coordination during the investiture will have two main FBI command postsone in the local office and another in its headquarters. In addition, there will be constant monitoring of the public transportation system to manage the influx of people.
