US: Authorities deploying extremely tight security in Washington, DC, ahead of Jan. 20 presidential inauguration

Event

A major security operation is underway throughout much of the Washington, DC, metropolitan area as authorities prepare for the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Joseph Biden. Approximately 20,000 National Guard troops have been mobilized to support federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies within the nation's capital, as well as surrounding communities in the neighboring states of Maryland and Virginia.

A security perimeter has been established around the White House, with the area bounded by 14th Street, 19th Street, Constitution Avenue, and K Street being closed to the general public. On Jan. 20, the National Mall will also be closed to the general public; the Washington Monument will remain closed through Jan. 24. Other areas near the Capitol building and White House will also likely to be closed to pedestrian traffic.

Police have additionally closed the following roads through at least Jan. 20:

• Constitution Avenue, from First Street Northwest to Second Street Northeast

• Independence Avenue, from Washington Avenue Southwest to Second Street Southeast

• First Street, from Constitution Avenue Northeast to Independence Avenue Southeast

• East Capitol Street Northeast, from First Street to Second Street

• Seventh Street Southwest at Jefferson Drive Southwest

• Seventh Street Northwest at Madison Drive Northwest

• 12th Street Southwest at Independence Avenue Southwest

• 17th Street Southwest at Independence Avenue Southwest

• 18th Street Northwest at Constitution Avenue Northwest

Further street closures are likely in downtown Washington, DC, especially on Inauguration Day.

Closures are also impacting the city's public transport system, with the following Metro stations being shuttered Jan. 15-Jan. 21:

• Archives

• Arlington Cemetery

• Capitol South

• Farragut North

• Farragut West

• Federal Center Southwest

• Federal Triangle

• Judiciary Square

• McPherson Square

• Smithsonian

• Union Station

Additionally, Gallery Place and Metro Center, the system's two major hubs, will be closed Jan. 16-Jan. 21.

Authorities have deployed additional security forces at regional airports, including Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Train stations in the area, especially Union Station, will also likely see heavy deployments of police, who may search the luggage and check the identifications of passengers.

Major transport and business disruptions are likely throughout the region as a result of the security operation.

Context

While the inaugural festivities will be significantly smaller than in previous years as a result of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the violent unrest at the Capitol on Jan. 6 has prompted authorities to impose unprecedented security measures, such as the complete closure of the National Mall.

Advice

Heed the instructions of security personnel. Allow significant additional travel time to reach destinations in the greater Washington, DC, metropolitan area, as well as to transit regional airports and train stations.