Law enforcement is not currently tracking any specific or credible threats to next week’s inauguration in the nation’s capital, the FBI said Monday. 

What You Need To Know

  • Law enforcement officials are not currently tracking any specific or credible threats to next week’s inauguration in the nation’s capital, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said Monday

  • Officials representing the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, Metropolitan Police Department and Capitol Police expressed confidence they are ready

  • “The biggest threat for all of us remains the lone actor,” U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said

  • About 25,000 law enforcement and military personnel will be on site to secure an event attended by President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, several former presidents, Supreme Court justices and lawmakers from the House and Senate, as well as 250,000 ticketed guests and thousands of demonstrators

During a press briefing about preparations for the Jan. 20 swearing-in of President-elect Donald Trump, officials representing the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, Metropolitan Police Department and Capitol Police expressed confidence they are ready, even as they are on heightened alert for lone actors.

“Our message today is very direct: We’re fully prepared for the 60th presidential inauguration,” Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said. 

About 25,000 law enforcement and military personnel will be in Washington to secure an event attended by President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, several former presidents, Supreme Court justices and members of Congress, as well as 250,000 ticketed guests and thousands of demonstrators, according to the U.S. Secret Service. 

In addition to the Secret Service, Metropolitan Police and Capitol Police, 4,000 additional law enforcement and 7,800 National Guard members will come to Washington from other parts of the country to help secure the event. 

According to the Secret Service, all attendees will undergo security screening. The Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard will both impose temporary restrictions on flights and maritime activities in the area. 

On Inauguration Day, attendees should expect to see drones and tactical teams on rooftops, said Matt McCool, U.S. special agent in charge of the Secret Service Washington field office. The current fencing already around the Capitol will be bolstered with additional anti-scale fencing and concrete barriers. 

“The biggest threat for all of us remains the lone actor,” U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger added. 

During the state funeral for President Jimmy Carter last week, Manger said two lone actors showed up at the Capitol — one attempting to bring in knives and a machete and another who tried to set a car on fire.

“The difference between this weekend and next Monday from the past few weeks is we expect much larger crowds,” Manger said.

Monday’s inauguration is the third national security special event to take place at the U.S. Capitol in January, following the Jan. 6 counting and certification of the electoral vote and Carter’s funeral.