Four years after a chaotic riot interrupted Congress‘s certification of the 2020 presidential election, law enforcement has made several changes to secure the Capitol for this year’s certification and subsequent presidential inauguration.
One of the top changes was the Department of Homeland Security designating the joint session of Congress’s certification as a National Special Security Event. The designation was already afforded to the inauguration, along with other top events such as the Super Bowl, but for 2025, it was extended to the Jan. 6 session of Congress.
“National Special Security Events are events of the highest national significance,” Eric Ranaghan, special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Dignitary Protective Division, said in a statement when the special session of Congress was given the designation last year.
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“The U.S. Secret Service, in collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners, are committed to developing and implementing a comprehensive and integrated security plan to ensure the safety and security of this event and its participants,” Ranaghan added.
The increased collaboration is designed to improve awareness of any activities or unrest planned ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Preparations for this year’s inauguration also began ahead of schedule, with efforts starting outside the White House in Lafayette Park in October. Construction on the inauguration stage on the West Front of the Capitol Building began in September.
“Construction for the Presidential Inauguration Parade reviewing stands typically starts on Nov. 1 the year before the inauguration. Sometimes, closures and construction occur earlier. This year, work began Oct. 1 to accommodate additional time needed for a safer and more secure environment for construction activities,” the National Park Service said about the preparations beginning at Lafayette Park last year.
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In the weeks leading up to the certification and inauguration, fencing has returned to the Capitol Building, and it was placed around the Capitol for several months after the 2021 riot. The fencing has returned around the Capitol multiple times since 2021, including for the State of the Union address.
In addition to these efforts, the Capitol Police, the force that defends the complex where the election certification and the inauguration will take place, have changed their training and received more funding in their mission to defend lawmakers.
The budget for the Capitol Police ballooned from $515.5 million for fiscal 2021 to roughly $900 million requested for fiscal 2025.
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Months after the 2021 riot, the police force announced it had acquired more helmets, shields, less-than-lethal munitions, and batons to help officers. The Capitol Police also said it would increase training, have access to increased surveillance technology, and increase intelligence sharing with other law enforcement agencies.
After a deadly terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, police in Washington, D.C., announced an increased presence across the district while clarifying there is no known threat to public safety.
“While we do not discuss specifics regarding operation, tactics, or staffing, the community will notice an increased police presence throughout the city,” the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department said last week.
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Heading into the inauguration preparations, Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger told WTOP that security procedures for the complex would be “night and day” compared to 2021.
“Officers have more confidence that they’ve got what they need,” Manger said. “We have put plans in place and have gotten our tactics to a point where we are able to respond quickly and to resolve things quickly.”