Almost 8,000 soldiers bussed in for Trump’s ‘peaceful transition’
Almost 25,000 police officers and 7,800 soldiers will descend on Washington DC for Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, officials have said, as the capital prepares for a “peaceful transfer of power”.
Two FBI field offices, a fleet of drones and more than 30 miles of fencing will be used to keep Mr Trump, other world leaders and attendees safe as he takes the presidential oath of office for the second time.
Local and federal officials revealed the security plans for the ceremony on Monday, and said that despite receiving no specific threats against the president-elect, they are “prepared” for the worst.
The inauguration security team will include almost 25,000 police officers and members of the National Guard from every state will run checkpoints to enter the National Mall in front of the US Capitol.
The government has also imposed a temporary flight restriction over Washington on Monday, and federal officials will fly drones to monitor the security situation from the sky.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to travel to the Capitol, and have been told to expect airport-style security to enter a secure zone covering much of the city.
Laptops, water bottles, selfie sticks and banners have all been banned from the grounds of the ceremony by the Capitol Police.
The FBI said that despite two attempts on Mr Trump’s life on the campaign trail last year, the agency had not detected specific threats planned for the inauguration.
A coalition of protest groups has announced plans for a “People’s March” on Saturday, two days before the ceremony, to object to Mr Trump’s election victory.
They will include reproductive rights activists from Planned Parenthood, the National Women’s Law Center, Abortion Access Now and the Women’s March.
Muriel Bowser, the DC mayor, said the city’s full resources would be deployed to ensure the smooth running of the ceremony.
“Every four years, the District is proud to support the peaceful transition of power,” she said.
“We take pride in this responsibility, and we’re grateful to our federal partners, local agencies, and community members who work together to ensure a safe and secure event.”