Just because Washington D.C. is a cold-weather city doesn’t mean it is always ready to handle snowstorms. Americans may find out just how prepared or ill-prepared the District of Columbia is to handle severe weather events with the run of events slated for the area.
In addition to the typical hustle and bustle of the home of the federal government, two National Special Security Events that figure to attract thousands of visitors to the city are planned – the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter this week, followed by the second inauguration of Donald Trump on Jan. 20, as an article on WISN.com outlined.
Add to those events the potential of snowstorms in the D.C. area, ready to throw another wrench into security plans. A member of the Secret Service said the two events have never occurred concurrently before.
Special security events designations are reserved for high profile events that draw large crowds and can attract mass protests. They require coordination among several law enforcement agencies across the region, including D.C., the FBI, Secret Service, Capitol Police and the National Guard.
Both events are considered multi-day events by security officials. Carter’s funeral was scheduled for Jan. 9, but his body had been lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda since Jan. 7.
Security officials are also preparing to handle potential clashes between Trump supporters and protestors during events schedule Jan. 18-19 in the days leading up to inauguration day.
Security and surveillance drones are also expected to be deployed for the events in what is normally a no-fly zone for drones.
Metro police have been in “full activation” mode since Sunday, Jan. 5 to be deployed at a moment’s notice when needed.
Dave Lubach is the executive editor for the facilities market.
