WASHINGTON – Law enforcement in the nation’s capital on Thursday closely monitored security following a terrorist attack in New Orleans and a vehicle explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.
The violent incidents occurred just ahead of several high-profile events in Washington, including the inauguration of the novel Congress on Friday, the certification of the Electoral College vote on Monday, the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter next week and the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
Matthew Young, deputy special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service, said in a statement that the agency “will adjust our security plans as necessary.”
“While we cannot comment on protective measures or methods, we can say that we will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners as we assess the ever-changing threat landscape and will adjust our security plans as necessary,” Young said. “Our mission is to provide a safe environment for our students and all those involved in these events.”
The Secret Service has already designated Congress’ confirmation of the Electoral College, Carter’s funeral at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 9 and the inauguration as National Special Security Events, which puts the agency in charge of security planning and logistics.
These special security events are quite common for major political events, such as this summer’s Republican and Democratic national conventions and presidential inaugurations.
However, this is the first year that Monday’s Electoral College certification will have this designation after a mob attacked the U.S. Capitol during the last certification.
“A Lot of Caution”
Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. published on social media that while “there is no known threat to the District of Columbia, out of an abundance of caution, MPD has increased security throughout the city in light of recent events.”
“Whenever an incident occurs in the country, MPD closely monitors the situation, assesses intelligence and assesses our security posture,” MPD said in a statement. “As the nation’s capital, we maintain heightened levels of security at all times to ensure the safety of our residents, businesses and visitors.”
The U.S. Capitol Police said in a written statement that they have “already increased security as planned ahead of a busy month at the Capitol.”
On Thursday, USCP had to close several streets near the building after someone drove onto the sidewalk a few blocks away.
“Before 10 a.m., our officers observed a car traveling on the sidewalk near Peace Circle and entering a grassy area near Third Street, NW and Constitution Avenue,” USCP wrote on social media. “The officers detained the man. Please continue to avoid the area until the vehicle is investigated.”
The person was later charged with reckless driving after the USCP bomb squad determined there was no explosive device in the car.
At least 15 people were killed and 37 injured in New Orleans on Wednesday a man drove a truck onto Bourbon Street in what law enforcement considered a terrorist attack.
So do local and federal law enforcement agencies investigates the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel on Wednesday in Las Vegas. Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, is a close associate of Trump.
The services say they have found no connection between the two attacks, although they are investigating further.
Last updated at 15:03, January 2, 2025
