An estimated 4,000 additional police officers are anticipated to be deployed in Washington, D.C., in January for the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, according to Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith. Chief Smith revealed that the planning process for the inauguration has been underway since mid-summer, with multiple police agencies from across the country offering their support.
Chief Smith expressed gratitude for the intentional support received and mentioned that efforts are being made to secure the desired number of officers for the event. She also highlighted ongoing coordination with various agencies, including DC Fire and EMS and the Office of Unified Communications, to ensure a seamless security operation.
In addition to local partnerships, Chief Smith emphasized regular meetings with federal partners to stay informed about intelligence updates not only in D.C. but nationwide. These collaborative efforts are expected to intensify as the election results are certified on Jan. 6, 2025, leading up to the inauguration on Jan. 20.
The U.S. Secret Service has designated the counting and certification of electoral votes on Jan. 6 as a National Special Security Event, underscoring its high national significance. Special Agent in Charge Eric Ranaghan affirmed the commitment of the Secret Service and its partners to implement a comprehensive security plan to safeguard the event and its participants.
