Washington Gears Up for the 60th Presidential Inauguration
The swearing-in ceremony has been relocated indoors to the Capitol Rotunda due to anticipated adverse weather conditions.
WASHINGTON—With anti-scale fencing erected, roadblocks in place, and driving expected to be a challenge, the nation’s capital is gearing up for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
Trump’s inaugural team has planned a weekend filled with celebratory events featuring performances from musical artists such as Carrie Underwood, the Village People, Kid Rock, and Lee Greenwood.
The 60th Presidential Inauguration ceremony will now be held inside the Capitol Rotunda because of a frigid forecast, with temperatures predicted to plummet to 10 degrees.
In 1985, President Ronald Reagan similarly opted for an indoor swearing-in ceremony due to freezing temperatures affecting the District and surrounding areas.
For those looking to watch the events from indoors, DC’s Capitol One Arena will be open and will also host the Presidential Parade. All other scheduled events will proceed as planned.
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The National Mall is anticipated to be filled with hundreds of thousands of attendees braving the cold, with authorities estimating more than 250,000 ticketed participants.
Local law enforcement and city officials express confidence in their preparations for the event.
Enhanced Security
For some time, additional security measures have been implemented around the Capitol building.
In the past two weeks, the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter and the return of Congress from winter break have brought several foreign dignitaries and heads of state to Washington.
Visitors to the Capitol will have observed the installation of extra temporary fencing in the vicinity, with an expected total of 30 miles of anti-scale fencing.
Members of the public attending the swearing-in ceremony will be mandated to pass through security checkpoints.
“For residents and businesses, the most noticeable impact of the inauguration will occur in areas surrounding the National Mall, the U.S. Capitol, the Convention Center, and around Union Station,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser during a press conference on January 13.
Along with extensive fencing, road closures are set to commence on Sunday morning, January 19, further limiting the areas highlighted by Bowser.
“We encourage individuals to arrive early due to the expected crowd size,” stated Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger.
“The primary concern for all of us remains the lone actor.”
FBI agent David Sundberg, the assistant director in charge of the Washington bureau, confirmed that there are no credible threats against the Capitol as the inauguration approaches.
Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool outlined the enhanced security measures being implemented for the inauguration day, which will include the use of drones and increased surveillance cameras.
“Visible and invisible” reinforcements will be in effect: more than 25,000 law enforcement officers will be on the ground in the District that day, including additional Secret Service agents and 7,800 National Guard personnel.
Restrictions will also apply to flight operations at nearby airports.
These additional measures illustrate “the unwavering commitment of the Secret Service and our partners,” McCool informed reporters.
Anticipated Protests
About 10,000 protesters are expected to gather on Inauguration Day as part of a national “We Fight Back” demonstration.
On January 18, “The People’s March” is forecasted to attract around 25,000 participants, according to officials.
It remains uncertain how many will brave the weather on that day. The Capitol police chief told The Epoch Times that his officers are “prepared” for any potentially violent protests.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela Smith assured that areas beyond the inauguration perimeter will receive adequate patrol coverage.
“Please note that the MPD will protect your right to protest peacefully and assemble. However, I emphasize that violence, destruction, and unlawful behavior will not be acceptable,” she affirmed.
Metro System Adjustments
DC Metro General Manager Randy Clark stated on January 13 that residents should prepare for changes to the system intended to support event participants and manage security risks.
The Metro system will commence operations at 4 a.m., although six stations—McPherson Square, Federal Triangle, Smithsonian, Archives-Navy Memorial, Mt. Vernon Sq., and the Pentagon Metrorail station—will be fully closed.
Other stations—Farragut West, Gallery Place, Judiciary Square, Union Station, and Metro Center—will remain operational, although certain entrances will be sealed off.
Clark added that riders should anticipate a heightened police presence on that day, as assistance from transit authorities across 15 other locations nationwide will be utilized.
For further information and real-time alerts regarding weather, public safety, traffic, and more:
DC Inauguration Messages: Text DCINAUG to 888-777
Visit inauguration.dc.gov.
Nathan Worcester contributed to this story.
