A few days before the inauguration of Donald Trump, scheduled for January 20, Washington is preparing to host this major event in a climate of reinforced security. Unprecedented measures have been put in place to protect strategic sites, participants, and guarantee a peaceful transition of power despite a context marked by political tensions and potential threats.
The deployment of law enforcement and security measures is unprecedented in the recent history of presidential inaugurations. Around 25,000 security agents, including local police forces, secret services and military units, will be mobilized in the capital. In addition, 8,000 members of the National Guard were called in for reinforcements, according to The Times.
Unprecedented security
To strengthen protections, 30 miles of anti-climb fencing were erected around sensitive sites, including the White House, the Capitol and the parade route on Pennsylvania Avenue. These metal barriers, 2.4 meters high, form an impassable perimeter to ensure the safety of officials and participants.
Matt McCool, special agent in charge of the Secret Service's Washington office, said during a press conference relayed by the Washington Examiner that the event will take place in a “higher threat environment” than previous inaugurations. He also mentioned that the security plan was “slightly more robust” to deal with possible threats. Measures include surveillance drones, tactical teams deployed on the ground, snipers positioned on rooftops, as well as extensive security checks for guests.
Threats and vigilance
Although authorities have said no credible threats have been identified, they remain on alert for possible actions by lone actors. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger told the Caledonian Record. “The biggest threat, I think, to all of us remains the lone actor. » Security services are determined to avoid the failures that marked the previous presidency, including an assassination attempt against Donald Trump in Pennsylvania and Florida.
Washington will also be the scene of multiple demonstrations organized on the sidelines of the inauguration. Among these, a “People’s March” is planned at the Lincoln Memorial, recalling the great past mobilizations. However, authorities estimate that turnout will be much lower than the hundreds of thousands of demonstrators who marched during the previous election. Muriel Bowser, the Democratic mayor of Washington, assured that freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate would be respected, but warned that “violence, destruction and illegal behavior will not be tolerated”.
-A logistical and climatic challenge
The day also promises to be marked by logistical and weather challenges. Indeed, the forecasts predict freezing temperatures well below zero, which risks complicating the movement of participants and law enforcement.
Regarding accommodations, downtown hotels have an occupancy rate of 70%, much lower than the 92% recorded during Trump's first inauguration in 2017, according to the company STR. Some establishments, such as the famous Watergate Hotel, offer luxurious packages including helicopters and armored cars, with prices reaching $73,500.
A transition under close surveillance
The inauguration marks the end of an intense period of transition for the US capital, which has already hosted two high-profile national security events in just two weeks: the certification of the election and the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter.
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Despite tensions, local and federal authorities are working to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition, faithful to American democratic tradition. As Mayor Muriel Bowser told the Caledonian Record : “Every four years, our city supports the peaceful transition of power. We are proud of this responsibility. »
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