As President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration approaches, Washington, D.C., has ramped up security to an unprecedented level. With 30 miles of high-security fencing, 25,000 law enforcement officers, and extensive security checkpoints, authorities are preparing for any potential threats.
This heightened security comes in the wake of two assassination attempts on Trump during his campaign and recent attacks on civilians, including a deadly truck-ramming incident in New Orleans and a suicide bombing in Las Vegas. These events have placed officials on high alert, making this one of the most heavily guarded inaugurations in U.S. history.
Unprecedented Security Measures
The inauguration, set to take place on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, will be attended by members of Congress, the Supreme Court, government officials, and thousands of spectators. However, the same location witnessed chaos on January 6, 2021, when rioters stormed the Capitol. This historical context has only added to concerns about potential violence.
To prevent any disruptions, the U.S. Secret Service, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security are working together to secure the event. More than 7,800 National Guard troops and 4,000 officers from various states will reinforce local police forces. The 30-mile perimeter of 7-foot-high fencing, designed to be unclimbable, marks the largest security barrier ever erected in Washington.
Additionally, a large portion of downtown Washington, spanning two miles from the White House to the Capitol, will be closed to vehicular traffic. Concrete barriers and garbage trucks will block key access points, significantly restricting movement in the city.
Concerns Over Lone-Wolf Attacks
While officials have not identified any specific coordinated threats, they are particularly concerned about individual attackers. This fear was reinforced by two recent incidents: one involving a man attempting to bring a machete into the Capitol and another trying to start a fire nearby.
“The lone-actor threat remains our biggest concern,” said U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger, highlighting the unpredictable nature of potential attacks. The FBI has also warned law enforcement agencies nationwide to stay alert for possible copycat incidents following the New Orleans attack.
Protests and Public Reaction
With tensions running high, Washington expects both pro-Trump celebrations and anti-Trump protests. One of the largest planned demonstrations is the People’s March on DC, set for January 18, which could draw tens of thousands of protesters. Several other smaller rallies and counter-protests will take place over the weekend leading up to the inauguration.
Meanwhile, the city’s hotel occupancy rate suggests a significant but smaller turnout than previous inaugurations. Around 70% of Washington’s 34,500 hotel rooms are booked for inauguration night, a drop from the 95% occupancy rate during Trump’s 2017 inauguration.
A City on Edge
As authorities work around the clock to prepare for the event, Washington residents are bracing for potential disruptions. While some plan to hunker down or leave the city, others are determined to make their voices heard—either in support of or opposition to the incoming administration.
Officials emphasize that the extensive security measures are designed to prevent any worst-case scenarios. However, as history has shown, unpredictability remains a constant challenge.
