A new security perimeter has been established around the Ellipse in Washington, DC, in preparation for Vice President Kamala Harris's upcoming speech at the site. The Ellipse, located in the southern part of President's Park, is now surrounded by tall black temporary fencing that stretches along Constitution Avenue at the south end of the park and along its east and west sides, all the way to the White House complex, effectively enclosing the space.
The 10-ft high fence that was erected on Monday is the same model that was used to surround the White House during the protests in the summer of 2020 and around Election Day in the same year. Unlike bike racks, this fence is designed to be non-scalable, enhancing security measures in the area.
Additionally, the north side of the White House complex has also been enclosed in fencing this year as workers are constructing the Inaugural viewing platform and media riser. A permit for the upcoming event indicates that up to 20,000 attendees are expected, with overflow anticipated onto the National Mall. It is noted that most of Vice President Harris's large rallies this year have taken place indoors or inside arenas, rather than in open outdoor spaces.
