Metro Transit Police Prepare for Inauguration Crowds

Metro is planning for the 800,000 people expected to be at the inauguration Jan. 21.

In addition to playing a large role in getting everyone around, the transit agency also plays a role on the law enforcement side of things.

“We have reached out to about 15, 16 transit agencies, similar to what we did in the last inaugurations, and we have gotten support from them,” Metro Transit Police Chief Michael Taborn said.

He is expecting support from about 150 extra officers. During the last inauguration, a transit officer from Houston pulled a woman to safety after she fell on the tracks.

D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier has said Metro doesn’t have enough officers.

Taborn said that when it comes to this kind of crowd, Metro is used to it.

“It’s a dance that we do for a lot of different special events in the Washington metropolitan area,” he said.

Metro will not perform any track work inauguration weekend.

Riders should keep in mind that the Smithsonian, Archives and Mt. Vernon Square stations will be closed Inauguration Day for security purposes.

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