New Orleans Assault Sparks Heightened Security Measures in D.C. for Inauguration and Carter Funeral

WASHINGTON — Law enforcement agencies in the nation’s capital heightened security on Thursday following a terrorist attack in New Orleans and a vehicle explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas.

The violent incidents coincided with several significant events scheduled in Washington, D.C., including the swearing-in of the new Congress on Friday and the certification of the Electoral College vote on Monday.

Matthew Young, assistant special agent in charge at the U.S. Secret Service, stated that the agency would adapt its security plans accordingly. “While we cannot comment on protective means or methods, we will continue collaborating with federal, state, and local law enforcement to assess the evolving threat landscape,” he said.

The Secret Service has classified the Electoral College certification, former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral on Jan. 9, and the inauguration as National Special Security Events. This designation positions the agency as the primary authority for planning and security logistics.

Such heightened security measures are common for significant political events, including national conventions and presidential inaugurations. This year marks the first instance where the Electoral College certification holds this designation after the previous year’s Capitol attack.

The Metropolitan Police Department in D.C. announced on social media that, while no known threats exist, they have increased security measures across the city as a precaution. “We closely monitor national incidents, evaluate intelligence, and constantly assess our security posture,” the MPD stated, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance.

In tandem, the U.S. Capitol Police reported that security ramp-ups were underway in anticipation of a busy month ahead. Officers closed off several streets near the Capitol on Thursday after a vehicle was spotted on a sidewalk nearby.

“Before 10 a.m., our officers observed a car driving along the sidewalk near Peace Circle, leading into a grassy area at Third Street, NW, and Constitution Avenue,” the USCP communicated. The driver was taken into custody and subsequently charged with reckless driving after the bomb squad confirmed that no explosive device was present in the vehicle.

In New Orleans, at least 15 individuals lost their lives, and 37 others sustained injuries when a driver plowed a truck onto Bourbon Street, an incident classified as a terrorist attack. Concurrently, an investigation is ongoing into the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck in Las Vegas, though no connections between the two incidents have been established as of yet.

Last updated 1:03 p.m., Jan. 2, 2025