Drones, snipers and razor wire - tight security around Donald Trump inauguration
While officials insist they are not aware of any specific, coordinated threats, there is always the possibility of lone wolf attacks, such as the New Orleans attack.
Monday 20 January 2025 16:12, UK
Drones, snipers, razor wire fencing and 25,000 personnel are among the security measures being deployed for Donald Trump's inauguration.
Hundreds of thousands of people have descended on Washington DC for the swearing-in ceremony.
The inauguration is designated as a "national special security event" which allows for extra funding and coordination between agencies, including the Secret Service, Homeland Security and US Capitol and DC Police.
More than 25,000 military and law enforcement personnel will be deployed around the city, including the National Guard.
A guide to Donald Trump's inauguration
Around 30 miles of anti-scale fencing - including some with razor wire - has also been installed around the White House area and the Capitol itself.
William McCool, special agent in charge of the Secret Service Washington Field Office, told reporters about the scale of their operation and what people will see on the ground.
"They will see tactical teams. They'll see CDU (Counter Drones Unit) units. They'll see officers and agents on rooftops. They'll see checkpoints. They'll see road closures and concrete barriers."
Follow the latest on Trump's inauguration
During a news conference on 13 January, he also addressed the potential for violent protests.
"We're prepared for any of that. One of the precautions we've taken is the security fence around the Capitol complex. And we're hopeful that'll keep any the protests from getting too close to the Capitol."
"We have adequate resources... to quell any disturbances," he added.
Some changes have been required since the inauguration itself will now take place inside the US Capitol Rotunda building instead of outside, because of freezing temperatures - ranging from minus 7 to minus 1C (20-30F)
Over the weekend nearly 4,000 police officers were sworn-in, or deputised, to temporarily allow them to enforce order in Washington DC. They have been drafted in from other US states to help secure the inauguration.
Ahead of the inauguration, the White House said it was working closely with Donald Trump's transition team to guard against any possible attacks.
Security officials said they were not aware of any specific, coordinated threats but are worried about lone wolves, such as the New Orleans attacker.
"That threat of the lone actor remains the biggest justification for us being at this heightened state of alert," US Capitol police chief Thomas Manger said at a recent security briefing.
Temperatures have also forced organisers to scrap a planned parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, it will now take place at the 20,000-seat Capital One Arena in downtown Washington.
The last time the ceremony was held indoors was Ronald Reagan's second inauguration when it was minus 14C (7F).
Follow our channel and never miss an update.
Read more:
What Trump's second term means
Can Labour get on with Trump?
Melania launches own cryptocurrency
Roger Stone, a political consultant and close ally of Trump, told the Associated Press that he preferred the inauguration being held indoors for security reasons, not bad weather.
"I'm happy it's going inside. We have had, undeniably, two assassination attempts on him. I speak only for myself here, but I think he's much safer under these circumstances," Mr Stone said.
Those queuing for Donald Trump's rally on Sunday at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC were relaxed about the increased security, especially considering previous attempts on the president-elect's life.
"I think that the environment we live in... unfortunately, you have to do it," said a Trump supporter.
"Anyone with bad intentions only has to get right once," he told Sky's US partner NBC.
Meanwhile, another man said: "After a couple of death threats and two attempts, you know, it's good they got them [security] out there."
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
Earlier in January, US law enforcement and intelligence agencies raised concerns about copycat vehicle-ramming attacks mimicking the New Year's Day crash in which a US army veteran drove a truck into a group of people.
Mr Trump survived an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania in July 2024 and in September a man was charged with trying to assassinate him on his Florida golf course.