The United States on High Alert Following Deadly Attack and Explosion as 2025 Begins

WASHINGTON – Security Tightens in the Nation’s Capital Ahead of Major January Events

Authorities in Washington, D.C., are preparing for a series of significant events beginning Friday, following a fatal vehicle attack in New Orleans earlier this week.

The upcoming events include the reconvening of Congress on Friday, the formal counting of Electoral College votes on Monday, the late President Jimmy Carter lying in state at the Capitol from Tuesday through Thursday, and President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

“We have already been ramping up security, as planned, ahead of a busy month at the U.S. Capitol,” the U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement on Thursday.

The heightened measures reflect the increased vigilance required to safeguard both public and political proceedings during this critical period.

Temporary fencing was installed around the perimeter of the U.S. Capitol building as of December 31, 2024, in preparation for the election certification on January 6, 2025, and the presidential inauguration on January 20.

The Metropolitan Police Department has increased its security measures citywide "out of an abundance of caution" following the attack in New Orleans. However, according to Paris Lewbel, the department's deputy director of communications, there is no known threat to the city at this time.

“We do not discuss specific details about operations, tactics, or staffing, but the community will notice an increased police presence throughout the city,” Lewbel stated.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has scheduled a news conference for 11 a.m. Friday to address capital security.

In response to a request from Bowser, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated the counting of Electoral College votes on Monday as a "national security event." This follows the violent riot during the event in 2021, which resulted in charges against over 1,500 individuals. The inauguration is also classified as a national security event. City officials indicated in September that planning for these events had been underway for months.

This designation ensures a coordinated security effort involving significant resources from federal, state, and local authorities.

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