On January 6, Congress will receive enhanced federal security for the upcoming election certification event, marking the first such occasion since the US Capitol assault.
On January 6, 2025, the verification process was labeled as a nationwide special security event by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, following a request from Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, as reported by the US Secret Service.
This tag is assigned to major events such as the Super Bowl, presidential inaugurations, and this year's NATO summit, where extensive security precautions are needed. These measures encompass an increased presence of officers on duty, expanded security boundaries, and the incorporation of advanced technology to detect potential hazardous substances used in weapons of mass destruction. The FBI will also keep an eye out for potential threats in the months leading up to the event.
The Secret Service, responsible for overseeing security at NSSE-designated events, made the announcement on Wednesday, citing various reports, including the House select committee's investigation into the January 6, 2021, riot, as justification.
The Capitol Police have been preparing for the 2025 verification since the 2020 Capitol attack by Trump supporters' supporters, with a more substantial focus in the last year.
Over 140 officers were injured during the Capitol riot, as per authorities, and the DC Attorney's Office has indicted over 1,500 people associated with the attack so far.
The Capitol Police Inauguration Task Force, responsible for security planning for January 6, has already collaborated with local law enforcement agencies, including DC's Metropolitan Police Department, and is now sharing these plans with federal partners as well.
According to a source, the agencies are still in the preliminary stages of planning the security measures for the Electoral College certification.
"National Special Security Events are events of the utmost national importance," mentioned Eric Ranaghan, the USSS Dignitary Protective Division's special agent in charge, when announcing the designation.
Ranaghan added, "The US Secret Service, in collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners, are dedicated to creating and executing a detailed and coordinated security plan to ensure the safety and security of this event and its attendees."
The verification process, designated as a National Special Security Event (NSSE), is similar to major events like the Super Bowl and NATO summits, requiring increased security measures due to politics-related sensitivity. The Secret Service's extensive preparations for the NSSE, following the Capitol attack in 2020, involve a heightened presence of officers, expanded security boundaries, and the implementation of advanced technology.
