Thursday, January 16, 2025
“Nearly a quarter of a million ticketed guests are expected to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of United States. Thousands of people are planning to watch, protest and rally in the days before and during the event,” said U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger at at a security news conference on Jan. 13.
“Security for all the planned events on Capitol Hill and throughout the District will be tight and visible,” added Mayor Muriel Bowser.
“Here in the city we allow peaceful protests all the time,” said Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith. “But when it comes to violating the laws, we are just not going to tolerate it. There are no law enforcement agencies more unified than those entrusted with securing the Presidential Inauguration. Our entire department will be activated for the Presidential Inauguration.”
“The security of the 2025 Presidential Inauguration is truly a team effort and we have been working closely with our law enforcement and public safety partners on a comprehensive security plan,” said Matt McCool, the Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service’s Washington Field Office. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure the safety and security of our protectees, dignitaries, event attendees and the public during the Inauguration.”
In addition to the D.C., the U.S. Capitol Police and some dozens of other law enforcement agencies in Washington, D.C., the visible police on the ground will be “reinforced by thousands of officers from across the United States who were generous enough to raise their hand and voluntarily commit their time to assist Metropolitan Police Department,” Smith said.
The U.S. Capitol Police also posted a long list of some 40 items that are prohibited from U.S. Capitol Grounds on Inauguration Day. The list includes alcohol, all bags, backpacks, roller bags, suitcases exceeding size restrictions (12?x12?x5?), ammunition, animals (other than service animals), balloons, balls, beverages and even body armor. It includes coolers, firearms or any other weapons (including toy weapons), in, laptops and iPads, seat cushions, strollers, suitcases, umbrellas and structures (tents) of any kind, among many other items.
Transportation by car is particularly impacted during the weekend through Wednesday by security measures such as road closures and fencing. Many streets in the inaugural events areas will be open for local traffic only from Sunday, January 19, at approximately 6 a.m. through Monday, January 20, at 12:01 a.m. These roads will be closed to all traffic from Monday, January 20, at 12:01 a.m. through Tuesday, January 21, at approximately 6 a.m. Similarly, streets around the convention center and the National Cathedral will also be closed to private vehicles during the inauguration ball and prayer events.
Metro station closures due to security include: McPherson Square, Federal Triangle, Smithsonian, Mt. Vernon Square and Archives. Additional entrance closures may be announced.
The city is responding with enhanced Metrorail and bus offerings. Metrorail will be opening early at 4 a.m. and city busses will be operating under increased service all day, Inauguration Day; 41 bus routes are detouring downtown. Additional staff, security and signage will be posted to help direct customers.
Still with all the mass security, the main concern and threat is the lone actor, several officials said. This is where public vigilance is vital. “If you see something that doesn’t look right, say something!” officials urged the public. “Report it to iWatch at seesomethingsaysomething.dc.gov, inform a police officer, or call 911 if there is an emergency or you are in immediate danger,” Bowser concluded.
The city urges residents to have a plan and stay informed during Inauguration Week. In the days leading up to the inauguration, with information about security, road closures, traffic and more. Details are posted and updated on the website: www.inauguration.dc.gov .