Security is getting tighter across downtown D.C. and it will continue to tighten up the closer we get to Inauguration Day. News4’s Mark Segraves reports.
Fencing topped with razor wire surrounds the U.S. Capitol, gates of the official Vice-Presidential residence have been reinforced with concrete and hundreds of armed National Guard troops have arrived to secure Washington, D.C., ahead of Inauguration Day.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned of threats to D.C., including to lawmakers and federal monuments, and the possibility of armed groups demonstrating in the city before and on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20.
We're making it easier for you to find stories that matter with our new newsletter — The 4Front. Sign up here and get news that is important for you to your inbox.
Those threats, following the deadly U.S. Capitol riot one week ago where a pro-Trump mob overwhelmed police officers protecting the building, have evoked a security response far stronger than officials initially planned.
Here’s what to know Wednesday about inauguration security in D.C.
DC Police Chief Says Inauguration Has 'Major Security Threat'
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Police Chief Robert Contee have made it clear they want people to forgo trips to the capital for inauguration and instead mark the event at home.
“We're not asking people to come to D.C. for this is a major security threat, and we are working to mitigate those threats,” Contee said. "I remain concerned. I've been concerned before today will be for this weekend, and beyond."
The pressure is on U.S. Secret Service, military and law enforcement agencies to secure President-elect Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration after last week's deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol. Security expert Charles Marino, the CEO of Sentinel Security Solutions, joined LX News to explain the multiple layers of security that will be put in place to ensure an uninterrupted transition of power.
Contee said the Metropolitan Police Department is “intently focused” on inauguration security. In his decades-long career with MPD, Contee says he has never seen so many agencies provide this level of help for a large event.
More security measures could be announced in the coming days, including changes to transportation.
But Bowser said that she’s not prepared to meet some demands to close hotels, saying that National Guard troops and security forces need them for accommodation.
(Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
UNITED STATES – JANUARY 13: Workers install heavy glass around the podium where President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in, during preparations for the inauguration on the West Front of the Capitol on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
(Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
UNITED STATES – JANUARY 13: A worker steams an American flag bunting under the podium where President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in, during preparations for the inauguration on the West Front of the Capitol on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 17: DC Police on bikes ride past Black Lives Matter plaza on January 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. After last week’s riots at the U.S. Capitol Building, the FBI has warned of additional threats in the nation’s capital and in all 50 states. According to reports, as many as 25,000 National Guard soldiers will be guarding the city as preparations are made for the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th U.S. President. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 17: National Guard Citizen-soldiers stand guard downtown on January 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. After last week’s riots at the U.S. Capitol Building, the FBI has warned of additional threats in the nation’s capital and in all 50 states. According to reports, as many as 25,000 National Guard soldiers will be guarding the city as preparations are made for the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th U.S. President. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 17: A National Guard Lieutenant speaks with Guard Citizen-soldiers during a meeting downtown on January 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. After last week’s riots at the U.S. Capitol Building, the FBI has warned of additional threats in the nation’s capital and in all 50 states. According to reports, as many as 25,000 National Guard soldiers will be guarding the city as preparations are made for the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th U.S. President. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
(Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 17: A National Guard Lieutenant speaks with Guard Citizen-soldiers during a meeting downtown on January 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. After last week’s riots at the U.S. Capitol Building, the FBI has warned of additional threats in the nation’s capital and in all 50 states. According to reports, as many as 25,000 National Guard soldiers will be guarding the city as preparations are made for the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th U.S. President. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Pete Kiehart/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Pedestrians stop to take photographs of police and members of the National Guard outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021. A bulletin this week from the FBI and other agencies warned that extremists may exploit the aftermath of the Capitol breach by conducting attacks to destabilize and force a larger conflict in the U.S. Photographer: Pete Kiehart/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 14: A sign welcoming the new President and Vice President is displayed on a building near Freedom Plaza on January 14, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential Inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Xinhua/Ting Shen via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 15, 2021 — National Guard soldiers are seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 14, 2021. U.S. President Donald Trump on Jan. 11 approved an emergency declaration for Washington, D.C., effective through Jan. 24, covering the date of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua via Getty)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 14: Kyriaki Chris, of Virginia, waves a Biden-Harris flag near the Lincoln Memorial on January 14, 2021 in Washington, DC. Due to security concerns, the National Mall will be closed on Inauguration Day, as people are encouraged to view inaugural events from their home. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 14: Workers hang banners for President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris ahead of the inauguration on a press riser just outside the north gate at the White House on Thursday, Jan 14, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
(Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)
Workers repaint the BLM letters at Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, DC, on January 15, 2021. (Photo by Daniel SLIM / AFP)
Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Workers install barbed wire on the fenced perimeter of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. The timing for both President Trump’s impeachment trial and legislation to provide Americans with more Covid relief now largely depends on maneuvering by three of the most veteran legislative tacticians in Congress. Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Xinhua/Ting Shen via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 15, 2021 — National Guard soldiers are seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 14, 2021. U.S. President Donald Trump on Jan. 11 approved an emergency declaration for Washington, D.C., effective through Jan. 24, covering the date of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua via Getty)
(Xinhua/Ting Shen via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 15, 2021 — National Guard soldiers are seen inside the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 14, 2021. U.S. President Donald Trump on Jan. 11 approved an emergency declaration for Washington, D.C., effective through Jan. 24, covering the date of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua via Getty)
Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Members of the National Guard stand behind a barbed wire fence around the perimeter of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. The timing for both President Trump’s impeachment trial and legislation to provide Americans with more Covid relief now largely depends on maneuvering by three of the most veteran legislative tacticians in Congress. Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)
US National Guard soldiers patrol a street near the White House in Washington, DC, on January 15, 2021, five days before the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden. (Photo by Daniel SLIM / AFP)
(Xinhua/Ting Shen via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 15, 2021 — National Guard soldiers are seen inside the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 14, 2021. U.S. President Donald Trump on Jan. 11 approved an emergency declaration for Washington, D.C., effective through Jan. 24, covering the date of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua via Getty)
(Photo by PAUL RATJE/AFP via Getty Images)
Metropolitan police officers patrol Freedom Plaza near the White House in Washington, DC, on January 15, 2021, five days before the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden. (Photo by Paul Ratje / AFP)
Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Workers install barbed wire on the fenced perimeter of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. The timing for both President Trump’s impeachment trial and legislation to provide Americans with more Covid relief now largely depends on maneuvering by three of the most veteran legislative tacticians in Congress. Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 15: A temporary staging location for workers making the preparations for next weeks inauguration ceremony on the National Mall on January 15, 2021 in Washington, DC. Due to security threats following the January 6th pro-Trump mob at the US Capitol, law enforcement agencies moved up security measures along the National Mall and much of downtown Washington, D.C. essentially closing down the Mall a week ahead of President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
(Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 15: A temporary staging location for workers making the preparations for next weeks inauguration ceremony on the National Mall on January 15, 2021 in Washington, DC. Due to security threats following the January 6th pro-Trump mob at the US Capitol, law enforcement agencies moved up security measures along the National Mall and much of downtown Washington, D.C. essentially closing down the Mall a week ahead of President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 14: Members of the National Guard unload supplies outside the U.S. Capitol on January 14, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential Inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
Photographer: Al Drago//Bloomberg via Getty Images
Members of the National Guard load boxes of food at the East Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. President Trump’s unprecedented second impeachment heads to the Senate, where his fate rests with Republican leader McConnell, who now has more leverage than ever over the president in his final week in office. Photographer: Al Drago//Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Workers unload security fencing near the White House in Washington, DC on January 14, 2021. – Security in Washington is being tightened ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on January 20, 2021. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 14: Members of the National Guard gather in the cafeteria of the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on January 14, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
Photographer: Al Drago//Bloomberg via Getty Images
Members of the National Guard walk through the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. President Trump’s unprecedented second impeachment heads to the Senate, where his fate rests with Republican leader McConnell, who now has more leverage than ever over the president in his final week in office. Photographer: Al Drago//Bloomberg via Getty Images
Photographer: Al Drago//Bloomberg via Getty Images
A gas mask and other supplies for the U.S. Capitol Police at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. President Trump’s unprecedented second impeachment heads to the Senate, where his fate rests with Republican leader McConnell, who now has more leverage than ever over the president in his final week in office. Photographer: Al Drago//Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
A monitor at a bus shelter near the White House shows images of people wanted in connection with the insurrection at the US Capitol in Washington, DC on January 14, 2021. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP)
(Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Members of the Nation Guard patrol Capitol Hill on January 14, 2021, in Washington, DC, a week after supporters of US President Donald Trump attacked the US Capitol, and ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on January 20. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP)
(Photo by Yasin Ozturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC, USA – JANUARY 13: Members of the National Guard are issued weapons outside of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021. (Photo by Yasin Ozturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
(Photo by Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13, 2021: A week after the insurrection of the U.S. Capitol, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi greets the National Guard troops occupying and surrounding the newly fenced in Capitol Complex on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC Wednesday January 13, 2021. (Photo by Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 14: A member of the National Guard sits in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on January 14, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Members of the National Guard rest in the Visitor Center of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: A member of the National Guard sleeps in the Visitor Center of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Representative Kat Cammack, a Republican from Florida, takes a selfie photograph with members of the National Guard in the Rotunda at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021. President Donald Trump suffered an unprecedented public rebuke on Wednesday when the House of Representatives impeached him for a second time, clouding his prospects for a potential return to politics just days before he leaves the White House. Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: U.S. Capitol Police keep anti-Trump protesters back as they gather on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote to impeach President Donald Trump later today, after Vice President Mike Pence declined to use the 25th amendment to remove him from office following a violent breach of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob last week. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: Members of the National Guard gather outside the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Today the House of Representatives plans to vote on Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-MD) resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, removing President Trump from office. Wednesday, House Democrats plan on voting on articles of impeachment. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: Member of the National Guard gather outside the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Today the House of Representatives plans to vote on Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-MD) resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, removing President Trump from office. Wednesday, House Democrats plan on voting on articles of impeachment. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
Members of the National Guard patrol outside of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 12, 2021, ahead of a House vote calling on US Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove US President Donald Trump from office. – The House of Representatives will vote Tuesday on a longshot bid to get Vice President Mike Pence and the cabinet to invoke the US Constitution’s 25th Amendment, which would declare Trump unfit to perform his duties and install Pence as acting president. Democrats will follow up the 25th Amendment vote with impeachment proceedings in the House on January 13, 2021. The single charge of “incitement of insurrection” is all but sure to get majority support. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)
Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Members of the National Guard outside of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. House Speaker Pelosi has instructed members of the House to return to Washington to consider a second impeachment of President Donald Trump this week. Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: Members of the National Guard gather outside the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Today the House of Representatives plans to vote on Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-MD) resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, removing President Trump from office. Wednesday, House Democrats plan on voting on articles of impeachment. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: Members of the National Guard gather outside the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Today the House of Representatives plans to vote on Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-MD) resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, removing President Trump from office. Wednesday, House Democrats plan on voting on articles of impeachment. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Members of the National Guard walk past the Senate side of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. House Speaker Pelosi has instructed members of the House to return to Washington to consider a second impeachment of President Donald Trump this week. Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Members of the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department walk outside of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. House Democrats Monday introduced a resolution to impeach President Trump for a second time, setting up a vote this week unless Vice President Mike Pence uses his constitutional authority to remove the president. Photographer: Sarah Silbiger/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (C) wears a protective mask while arriving to the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Today the House of Representatives plans to vote on Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-MD) resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, removing President Trump from office. On Wednesday, House Democrats plan on voting on articles of impeachment. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (L) wears a protective mask while arriving to the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Today the House of Representatives plans to vote on Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-MD) resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, removing President Trump from office. On Wednesday, House Democrats plan on voting on articles of impeachment. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: U.S. President Donald Trump exits the White House to walk toward Marine One on the South Lawn on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Following last week’s deadly pro-Trump riot at the U.S. Capitol, President Trump is making his first public appearance with a trip to the town of Alamo, Texas to view the construction of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
(Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump speaks to the media outside the White House on January 12, 2021 in Washington,DC before his departure to Alamo, Texas. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP)
(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: U.S. President Donald Trump waves to staff and supporters as he walks toward Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Following last week’s deadly pro-Trump riot on Capitol Hill, President Trump is making his first public appearance with a trip to the border town of Alamo, Texas to view the partial construction of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: U.S. President Donald Trump waves to staff and supporters as he walks toward Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Following last week’s deadly pro-Trump riot at the U.S. Capitol, President Trump is making his first public appearance with a trip to the town of Alamo, Texas to view the construction of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
(Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT – US President Donald Trump waves to the media outside the White House on January 12, 2021 in Washington,DC before his departure to Alamo, Texas. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP)
(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: U.S. President Donald Trump walks to Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Following last week’s deadly pro-Trump riot at the U.S. Capitol, President Trump is making his first public appearance with a trip to the town of Alamo, Texas to view the construction of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for MoveOn)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: People gather at the base of the U.S. Capitol with large IMPEACH and REMOVE letters on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. The group is calling on Congress to impeach and remove President Donald Trump on the day that Democrats introduced articles of impeachment in response to Trump’s incitement of a mob entering the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for MoveOn)
(Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for MoveOn)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: People gather at the base of the U.S. Capitol with large IMPEACH and REMOVE letters on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. The group is calling on Congress to impeach and remove President Donald Trump on the day that Democrats introduced articles of impeachment in response to Trump’s incitement of a mob entering the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for MoveOn)
(Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)
People hold flags in a near empty Black Live Matter Plaza, ahead of the Inauguration of Joe Biden on January 20, in Washington DC, on January 12, 2021. – (Photo by Daniel SLIM / AFP)
Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: Flowers lie on the House steps outside the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Today the House of Representatives plans to vote on Rep. Jamie Raskin’s (D-MD) resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, removing President Trump from office. Wednesday, House Democrats plan on voting on articles of impeachment. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Members of the National Guard rest in the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) (C) gives members of the National Guard a tour of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote to impeach President Donald Trump later today, after Vice President Mike Pence declined to use the 25th amendment to remove him from office after protestors breached the U.S. Capitol last week. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Members of the National Guard walk through the Visitor Center of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Exactly one week after a violent mob stormed through the U.S. Capitol, members of the Virginia National Guard are given a tour Statuary Hall by Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) minutes after the House voted to impeach U.S. President Donald Trump for the second time in little over a year in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House voted 232-197 to impeach Trump on the charge of “incitement of insurrection” after a mob attacked the U.S. Capitol where Congress was working to certify the Electoral College victory of President-elect Joe Biden on January 6. 10 Republicans voted to impeach. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Anti-Trump protesters gather on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote to impeach President Donald Trump later today, after Vice President Mike Pence declined to use the 25th amendment to remove him from office following a violent breach of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob last week. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) (R) greets members of the National Guard in the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: U.S. Capitol Police prepare to make arrests as anti-Trump protesters gather on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote to impeach President Donald Trump later today, after Vice President Mike Pence declined to use the 25th amendment to remove him from office following a violent breach of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob last week. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Members of the National Guard rest in the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Exactly one week after a violent mob stormed through the U.S. Capitol, members of the Virginia National Guard tour Statuary Hall minutes after the House voted to impeach U.S. President Donald Trump for the second time in little over a year in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House voted 232-197 to impeach Trump on the charge of “incitement of insurrection” after a mob attacked the U.S. Capitol where Congress was working to certify the Electoral College victory of President-elect Joe Biden on January 6. 10 Republicans voted to impeach. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: U.S. Capitol Police prepare to make arrests as anti-Trump protesters gather on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote to impeach President Donald Trump later today, after Vice President Mike Pence declined to use the 25th amendment to remove him from office following a violent breach of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob last week. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: U.S. Capitol Police prepare to make arrests as anti-Trump protesters gather on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote to impeach President Donald Trump later today, after Vice President Mike Pence declined to use the 25th amendment to remove him from office following a violent breach of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob last week. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: U.S. Capitol Police prepare to make arrests as anti-Trump protesters gather on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote to impeach President Donald Trump later today, after Vice President Mike Pence declined to use the 25th amendment to remove him from office following a violent breach of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob last week. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: U.S. Capitol Police prepare to make arrests as anti-Trump protesters gather on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote to impeach President Donald Trump later today, after Vice President Mike Pence declined to use the 25th amendment to remove him from office following a violent breach of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob last week. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Members of the National Guard walk through the Visitor Center of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Members of the National Guard rest in the Visitor Center of the U.S. Capitol on January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. Security has been increased throughout Washington following the breach of the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday, and leading up to the Presidential inauguration. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 13: Exactly one week after a violent mob stormed through the U.S. Capitol, members of the Virginia National Guard are given a tour Statuary Hall by Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) minutes after the House voted to impeach U.S. President Donald Trump for the second time in little over a year in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol January 13, 2021 in Washington, DC. The House voted 232-197 to impeach Trump on the charge of “incitement of insurrection” after a mob attacked the U.S. Capitol where Congress was working to certify the Electoral College victory of President-elect Joe Biden on January 6. 10 Republicans voted to impeach. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 17: Law enforcement stand at a road block on January 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. The National Guard is expected to deploy more than 20,000 troops in and around the Capitol and many area businesses will remain closed for the period leading up to the January 20th inauguration of Joseph Biden as president. While there have been no specific threats to the Capitol, online extremist chatter has indicated that some people remain committed to disrupting events and protesting the election results. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Airbnb to Block, Cancel DC Reservations During Inauguration Week
"Additionally, we are aware of reports emerging yesterday afternoon regarding armed militias and known hate groups that are attempting to travel and disrupt the Inauguration," Airbnb's statement said.
Mayor 'Confident' in National Special Security Event Coordination
Starting Wednesday, D.C. is under a National Special Security Event through the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on Jan. 20.
The enhanced security measures were moved up from Jan. 19 in the aftermath of President Donald Trump’s supporters storming the Capitol, the News4 I-Team reported.
Thousands of national guard troops are on the streets of DC, roads are closed and fences are up. The city is now fortified heading into next week's inauguration. News4's Mark Segraves reports.
The National Special Security Event increases security in the District to maximum levels.
"It is all hands on deck for this from the federal, state and local law enforcement and intelligence communities," said Matthew Doherty, former head of the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center.
The NSSE is “a whole different structure” of response and wasn’t in place during the Jan. 6 demonstrations and riots, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said.
“We are very confident about that type of coordination as we have been with other National Special Security Events,” Bowser said.
Doherty says expect to see a heavy law enforcement presence around the monuments and other symbolically important sites, since threats often target buildings and iconic locations, not just specific people.
"The mere absence of a direct threat on social media doesn't mean that you can't allocate resources," said Doherty. "We look for attack-related behavior, taking selfies from the site ... pre-attack surveillance."
Parking Restrictions, Road Closures Planned
Washington, D.C., is locking down near the U.S. Capitol, White House and National Mall, bracing for the possibility of further unrest before and on Inauguration Day.
News4's Juliana Valencia shares what you need to know about inauguration security efforts and parking restrictions.
Starting 8 a.m. Thursday, numerous streets will be closed and cars left in parking garages within certain perimeters will be stuck there until after inauguration concludes, authorities say.
The White House perimeter runs from K Street to 14th Street to Constitution Avenue to 19th Street Northwest.
A perimeter around the White House has been established in preparation for Biden's inauguration. The area inside the perimeter as well as several streets will be blocked off. Metro stations and bus routes will also be detoured. Here are the details >> https://t.co/0uOtolOekl << pic.twitter.com/nEHH4Cvzg9
The following stations will close on Friday and remain closed until Jan. 21:
Red Line stations closed: Farragut North, Judiciary Square, Union Station
Yellow Line stations closed: Green Line Archives
Blue Line station closed: Arlington Cemetery
Blue Line, Orange Line and Silver Line stations closed: Farragut West McPherson Square, Federal Center SW, Capitol South, Smithsonian, Federal Triangle
The following stations will close on Saturday and remain closed until Jan. 21:
Metro Center
Gallery Place
"Beginning on Friday and continuing for six days, trains will operate on a Saturday schedule (every 12 minutes on the Red Line/15 minutes on all other lines)," Metro said.
In addition, 26 bus routes will be detoured around the expanded security perimeter beginning on Friday through Jan. 21.
Metrobus will operate normal service on weekdays and weekends to accommodate customers making trips outside the security zone, with the exception of Jan. 20, when buses will operate on a Saturday schedule.
Extra Precautions at Naval Observatory, Around National Mall
Crews at the Naval Observatory, official residence of the Vice President, erected a security fence overnight Wednesday in front of the compound’s gates along Massachusetts Avenue NW.
Concrete barriers were put up behind the regular fence.
The Department of Homeland Security expanded a special designation that will increase security in the District to maximum levels in advance of the inauguration. Investigative Reporter Jodie Fleischer spoke with a threat assessment expert about what that entails and whether it's enough given the current threats.
It's one of many clearly visible signs that the city is becoming a fortress — particularly around major federal buildings and monuments.
News4 has learned razor wire will be installed on a seven-foot fence around the Capitol that is supposed to be unscalable.
Hundreds of National Guard troops were seen walking off buses Tuesday night near the National Mall, preparing to assist in securing the city through the inauguration. By Saturday, about 1,500 troops are expected to be in D.C.
The National Guard has confirmed to News4 that the guard troops at the Capitol are authorized to be armed.
“Most urgent and immediate is to security the Capitol building and its immediate area,” said Rep. Anthony Brown of Maryland. “I’m confident with the large number of National Guard troops that will be part of that operation.”
Rep. Conor Lamb, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, told News4’s Shomari Stone that the increased security measures have made him feel safer — and are important to the transition of power.
“There’s definitely been a big surge of National Guard support,” Lamb said. “I do think it’s important for Americans to see President-elect Biden out there in front of the Capitol like any other president getting sworn in.”
