WASHINGTON — Law enforcement in the nation’s capital closely monitored security Thursday after a terrorist attack in New Orleans and a vehicle explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.
The violent incidents occurred just before several high-profile events in Washington, D.C., including the swearing-in of the recent 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 20th.
Matthew Young, assistant 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 means or methods of protection, we can say that we will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners in assessing the ever-changing threat landscape and adjust our security plans as necessary. ” said Young. “Our mission is to provide a safe environment for our protectees and everyone involved in these events.”
The Secret Service has already designated Congress’ certification of the Electoral College, Carter’s funeral at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 9 and the inauguration as national special security events, putting the agency in charge of planning and security logistics.
These special security events are common at major political events, such as the Republican and Democratic National Conventions this summer and the presidential inauguration.
But this is the first year that Monday’s certification of the Electoral College has that designation, after a mob attacked the U.S. Capitol during the last certification.
“Be very careful”
The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC posted on social media that while “there is no known threat to the District of Columbia, MPD has increased its security posture throughout the city out of an abundance of caution in light of recent events.”
“Whenever an incident occurs in the country, MPD closely monitors the situation, evaluates intelligence and assesses our security posture,” MPD wrote in the 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 U.S. Capitol.”
USCP had to close several streets near the building Thursday after someone drove across a sidewalk a few blocks away.
“Before 10 a.m. our officers spotted a car traveling along the sidewalk near Peace Circle and into the grassy area near Third Street, NW and Constitution Avenue,” USCP wrote on social media. “Officers took the man into custody. Please continue to avoid the area while we inspect the car.”
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 died and 37 were injured in New Orleans early Wednesday A man drove a truck onto Bourbon Street in which law enforcement authorities have declared a terrorist attack.
This also applies to local and federal law enforcement agencies Investigating the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel on Wednesday in Las Vegas. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, is a close confidant of Trump.
Officials say they have found no connection between the two attacks but are continuing to investigate.
Last updated on January 2, 2025 at 3:03 p.m
