The Secret Service overrode strict federal regulations on using unmanned aerial aircraft in Washington, D.C., as it ramps up security measures for President-elect Donald Trump’s impending inauguration.
As the clock ticks down to Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, a spokesman for the Secret Service confirmed that drones would be utilized as part of the amplified security presence in the nation’s capital.
“ … the U.S. Secret Service will use unmanned aerial vehicles as part of our security plans for this month’s National Special Security Events, and the public may see these assets operating both before and during these events,” Nate Herring, Secret Service spokesman, told the Washington Examiner.
While it is nearly impossible to fly drones in D.C. due to national security concerns, Herring said the “Secret Service and our local, state, and federal partners [will] employ a multitude of seen and unseen security measures operating in tandem to ensure comprehensive and seamless security plans.”
The Federal Aviation Administration has rigid rules surrounding the use of unmanned aircraft. The agency even implemented a temporary ban on some drones after mysterious flying objects were spotted flying in New Jersey and temporarily prohibited first responders from using drones to help conduct rescue and relief efforts after Hurricane Helene.
The FAA’s regulations regarding the use of drones are particularly strict in D.C., where the country’s most sensitive defense systems, including the Pentagon, are based.
“The airspace around Washington, DC is more restricted than in any other part of the country. Rules put in place after the 9/11 attacks establish ‘national defense airspace’ over the area and limit aircraft operations to those with an FAA and Transportation Security Administration authorization,” says the city’s website.
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The Secret Service’s move to override FAA regulations on drone usage comes as D.C. holds three high-profile events labeled as “national special security events” this month. The district is on high alert as January marks the first time the United States has had three national special security events in a single month.
On Monday, members of Congress gathered to certify the election results. On Thursday, all five living presidents gathered for former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral at the Washington National Cathedral. Near the end of the month, Trump’s second inauguration, which will likely be attended by multiple world leaders, will take place.