All eyes will be on Washington, D.C., ahead of the presidential inauguration on Monday. With more than 200,000 people expected to descend on the nation’s capital, there will be many safety measures put in place for both government officials and civilian attendees, but some are worried about government responses.

Officials have spent almost a year developing a comprehensive safety plan for the upcoming National Special Security Event. This classification allows federal, local and state officials to work under the Secret Service to prepare for major events that multiple presidents or public officials attend.

In a Jan. 13 press conference, officials emphasized unity and preparedness among the agencies, including the Secret Service, FBI and Capitol Police, ahead of Monday’s events.

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser discussed how the city’s officials are accustomed to dealing with crowds of this volume.

“Every four years, the district is proud to support the peaceful transfer of power,” Bowser said.  “We take pride in this responsibility.” 

Back in Chicago, some are anxious about the holiday weekend’s events. Jessie Johnstone, a 19-year-old student at DePaul University, is worried about a harsh response to demonstrations protesting President-elect Trump.

“The President of the United States is always granted heavy security no matter the circumstances, but after two assassination attempts, his staff won’t be taking any chances,” Johnstone said.

Matt McCool, the special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s Washington field office discussed the Secret Service’s role in protecting the president-elect and also mentioned the team effort of preparing for the inauguration.

“Our ultimate goal is to ensure the safety and security of our protectees, dignitaries, event attendees and the public during the Inauguration,” McCool said.

That safety and security is expected to include the entire metropolitan police force, an additional 4,000 officers from across the nation, and around 7,800 National Guard members, adding up to around 25,000 law enforcement and military personnel on site to secure the event, according to McCool.

Downtown D.C. is already experiencing widespread road closures, high visibility patrols and the installation of fencing and barriers. All events throughout the day have a multiple block perimeter, and many streets are closed to non-area traffic or blocked off entirely.

McCool told residents there will be drones in the sky ahead of and during the events as an additional safety precaution.

Yevgeny and Natalia, who did not provide their last names, are a couple who traveled from out of town to the inauguration. They lamented the confiscation of the camping chairs they had to throw out to get past the police barricade, but felt the increased security presence throughout the city.

“Looks like we are safe,” Natalia said. “We thought about if it was safe–”

“–I never thought about it,” Yevgeny interrupted.

“Well, I did,” Natalia answered her husband. “We’ve never been to an event like this.”

Yevgeny agreed with her, adding that Trump made them feel important.

Despite officials urging travelers to use the Metro system, multiple Washington Metro stations will be closed for the day. Certain highways will be shut down to allow for ease of passage for government officials.

The Potomac and Anacostia rivers, which both run through Washington, D.C., are being patrolled and are closed to any vessels or boats that have not been cleared in advance.

Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith expressed gratitude for interagency unity and national support, adding a cautionary reassurance to demonstrators.

“Please know that the Metropolitan Police Department will ensure your right to peacefully protest and assemble, however, I want to reiterate that violence, destruction, and unlawful behavior will not be tolerated,” Smith said.

Lyn, another out-of-town attendee at the inauguration who did not provide her last name, said that she was concerned that the police would not be able to respond if something were to occur.

“I know that the mayor has had them tied for a very, very long time,” Lyn said. “Just because they’re here doesn’t mean I feel safe.”

Law enforcement and military officials spent much of the Jan. 13 press conference assuring the public that whatever happens on Monday, they will be ready.

“What I can tell you is that we are 100% confident in the plan that we have put in place for this inauguration,” said McCool. “The public and our protectees will be safe.”

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