US capital Washington ramps up security for Trump inauguration
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The authorities have begun fortifying many areas around Washington, including the US Supreme Court (above), the White House and the Capitol, in preparation for Inauguration Day on Jan 20.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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WASHINGTON – With endless perimeter fencing, all-seeing drones and some 25,000 security personnel, the US capital is preparing for Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration in an unprecedented protective posture after an election cycle marked by violence.
Washington is used to high-profile, high-risk happenings, but rarely so many in such quick succession.
Jan 20’s presidential inauguration will be the third top-level “national special security event” in just two weeks, following the election certification on Jan 6 and former president Jimmy Carter’s funeral.
The city is prepping for fewer visitors on Jan 20 than Trump’s first inaugural eight years ago – when the authorities anticipated up to a million guests.
Nevertheless, a record 48km of anti-scale fencing is being erected around the security perimeter.
The White House, the Capitol and parts of the Pennsylvania Avenue parade route are already ringed by the 2.4m-tall metal barriers.
Around 25,000 law enforcement and military personnel are converging on Washington, according to US Secret Service special agent Matt McCool.
There is “a slightly more robust security plan” than in previous years, he told a briefing on Jan 13, saying attendees will experience extensive security checks and see snipers on rooftops, tactical teams on the ground, and drones patrolling the skies.
“What’s different is that we are in a higher threat environment,” he said.
Violence marred 2024’s presidential race, with Trump narrowly surviving a July assassination attempt
Two months later, an apparent gunman was discovered at a golf club
The incidents were seen as major operational failures by the Secret Service.
On Jan 1, two more deadly episodes – a truck ramming in New Orleans and a Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas – set Americans on edge.
Mr McCool said “a full slate of visible and invisible security measures” will be blanketing Washington for Trump’s big day.
According to US Capitol police chief J. Thomas Manger, about 250,000 ticketed guests will gather for the inauguration.
The authorities said there are currently no known credible threats to the ceremony.
“The biggest threat, I think, for all of us remains the lone actor,” Mr Manger said.
‘Peaceful transition’
Trump has had a contentious relationship with Washington’s Democratic mayor, Ms Muriel Bowser, but she pledged this week that no effort is being spared.
“Every four years, our city supports the peaceful transition of power. We are proud of that responsibility,” she told reporters.
Thousands of demonstrators, however, will be on hand, including during a Jan 18 “People’s March” to the Lincoln Memorial.
Eight years ago, hundreds of thousands marched in a similar demonstration, but Trump’s latest win appears to have deflated the #Resistance movement, and the authorities said up to 25,000 people were expected on Jan 18
Jan 19 will see thousands of Maga (Make America Great Again) faithful pack a downtown arena for a rally featuring Trump himself.
Then on Inauguration Day, multiple smaller protests are scheduled.
Police will ensure people can “peacefully protest and assemble”, Ms Bowser said, but “violence, destruction and unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated”.
For those venturing outside to watch Trump take the oath, it will be a frigid affair. The forecast is for temperatures well below freezing throughout Inauguration Day.
Trump supporters are filling the city’s hotel rooms – although not to the level of his or Mr Barack Obama’s first inauguration.
As of last week, downtown Washington occupancy rates for inauguration eve are at 70 per cent, lower for the moment than the 92 per cent occupancy for Trump’s 2017 inauguration, data firm STR says.
Several hotels have unveiled elite inauguration packages, including the famous Watergate Hotel, whose “Head of State” package starts at US$73,500 (S$100,500).
It includes helicopter service, a chauffeured armoured Maybach, accommodation in the Watergate’s presidential suite, and a tour of the “Scandal Suite”, where the infamous 1972 break-in occurred. AFP
