Washington, D.C., officials outlined sweeping security preparations on Wednesday for the city’s upcoming events, as it gears up for major celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
July 4, the centerpiece of America 250 festivities, has been designated a National Special Security Event by the Department of Homeland Security, allowing the Secret Service to lead operations, according to district leaders. NSSE is the highest level of security clearance, typically reserved for high-profile events such as the State of the Union address and presidential inaugurations.
“Right now, there is no specific credible threat toward any of the events that are out there,” interim Chief Jeffery Carroll said during a public safety briefing. “But even with that being said, MPD, of course, has taken a heightened posture with our partners.”
Aside from the July 4 announcement, officials noted that security preparations are underway for a number of additional events, including this weekend’s Rededication Prayer Jubilee on the National Mall, next weekend’s Memorial Day Parade, Freedom 250’s “Great American State Fair” and free IndyCar race, and the White House UFC fight, which has also been deemed a high-security occasion. Carroll urged the public to take mass transit, warning they should expect traffic delays due to road closures and wide security perimeters.
In the wake of the attack on the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, where a suspect was charged with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump, officials said recent incidents are shaping how agencies coordinate security efforts. D.C. Homeland Security Director Clint Osborn, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Lindsey Appiah, and others emphasized that such events require coordination between federal, state, and local partners.
“We recognize there’s been a lot that’s gone on in the past year in the district,” Appiah said. “We recognize that these events are occurring within a specific context of national and global events. And so that has certainly informed our communications, our intelligence monitoring, our cooperation with the task force and otherwise.”
“We have ongoing communication between local, state, and federal partners at every level, including at DHS and at other federal agencies, monitoring intelligence,” Carroll added.
Metro said it is planning for a “longer stretch than normal” to move large crowds, as millions of visitors are expected in the city between the various events. Metro’s deputy general manager Andy Off on Wednesday conceded major events will take an “all hands on deck” approach, but expressed confidence his team is “well rehearsed.”
“This is what we were built for, right?” Off said.
SECURITY CONCERNS LOOM LARGE IN DC AHEAD OF HIGH-PROFILE AMERICA 250 EVENTS
Officials expressed confidence that the summer will go smoothly.
“This summer, our collective goal is to make sure people in our city stay informed, have fun, and stay safe,” Appiah said. “Through strong coordination with our local and federal partners, we are making sure the District is ready for America’s 250th anniversary and the many events that will bring residents and visitors together in the months ahead.”