Federal law enforcement authorities are preparing for one of Washington, D.C.’s largest and most complex security operations as the nation’s capital gears up to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s freedom, according to officials.
“It comes as no surprise to you that D.C. on a normal day is a target-rich environment,” Darren B. Cox, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, said at a press conference detailing the security preparations. “We are prepared for any threats.”
The preparations come amid a period of rising political violence, including recent incidents near the White House, and multiple assassination attempts against President Donald Trump, creating a significant security challenge for a celebration expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected in Washington in the coming weeks for the America 250 festivities. The throngs will be joined by thousands of law enforcement officers and agents and 5,000 National Guard troops, along with military-style vehicles and other hardware they don’t often see on the streets of America, according to the Associated Press.
For visitors, the security measures include strict ID requirements, long lines, and magnetometers similar to those used at airport security checkpoints. Snipers are also expected to be deployed at some events. Flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which sits across the Potomac River from the National Mall, will operate under heightened security protocols.