Washington Following a car explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas and a terrorist assault in New Orleans, law officers in the nation’s capital kept a careful eye on security Thursday.
The violent incidents happened right before a number of high-profile events in Washington, D.C., such as the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, the swearing-in of the new Congress on Friday, the certification of the Electoral College vote on Monday, and the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter the following week.
The U.S. Secret Service will modify our security measures as necessary, according to a statement from assistant special agent in charge Matthew Young.
We will continue to collaborate with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in evaluating the constantly shifting threat picture and will modify our security plans as necessary, Young stated, even though we are unable to speak on protective measures or tactics. Our goal is to give our protectees and everyone else participating in these activities a safe and secure atmosphere.
The Secret Service has already designated the inauguration, Carter’s funeral at the Washington National Cathedral on January 9, and Congress’ certification of the Electoral College as National Special Security Events, placing the agency in command of security logistics and preparation.
Presidential inaugurations and significant political gatherings, such as the Republican and Democratic national conventions this summer, are fairly accustomed to such extraordinary security events.
However, following a mob attack on the U.S. Capitol during the previous certification, this is the first year the Electoral College will retain that status on Monday.
Even though there isn’t a known danger to the District of Columbia, the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., said on social media that it has increased its security posture throughout the city due to recent events out of a sense of caution.
According to the statement, MPD keeps a careful eye on the situation, analyzes intelligence, and examines our security posture whenever an incident happens in the nation. As the capital of the country, we always have a high degree of security to protect our citizens, businesses, and tourists.
Ahead of a busy month at the U.S. Capitol, the U.S. Capitol Police said in a written statement that they have already begun to increase security as scheduled.
On Thursday, someone drove on a sidewalk a few blocks from the building, forcing USCP to cut up a number of the surrounding streets.
USCP posted on social media that before 10 a.m., its officers saw a car that had been traveling along the sidewalk, close to Peace Circle, and into the grassy area around Third Street, NW, & Constitution Avenue. The individual was taken into custody. While we look into the car, kindly stay away from the area.
The USCP bomb squad found no explosive device in the vehicle, and the individual was subsequently charged with reckless driving.
In what authorities have called a terrorist assault, a man drove a truck onto Bourbon Street in New Orleans early on Wednesday, killing at least 15 people and injuring 37 more.
The Wednesday explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas is also being investigated by local and federal law enforcement. One of Trump’s close associates is Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Although they are still looking into it, officials claim they have not discovered any connection between the two incidents.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
