The Secret Service has announced that the counting and certification of electoral votes at the Capitol in January will have significantly increased security measures in place. The Department of Homeland Security has designated the event as a national special security event, giving it a level of security similar to the State of the Union address or the Super Bowl. The Secret Service will oversee the planning to ensure the safety and security of all participants.
This designation is a response to the chaos of the January 6 riot in 2021 when a mob of President Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s victory. The enhanced security measures aim to prevent a repeat of such events. The Secret Service, in collaboration with federal, state, and local partners, is committed to developing a comprehensive security plan for the event.
The designation of a national special security event is usually reserved for special events such as national conventions and presidential inaugurations. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser requested this designation, and the Secret Service will work with various law enforcement agencies to ensure the event’s security.
The enhanced security measures will unlock federal, state, and local resources to be used in the security plan. This response comes after reports from the former House Jan. 6 committee and the Government Accountability Office had asked for increased security measures. The 2021 attack resulted in four deaths and numerous assaults on police officers, leading to $1.5 million in damage to the Capitol building.
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