(The Center Square) – Washington, D.C. Police say they are stepping up security in light of the recent attack in New Orleans as the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20 draws near.
The anniversary of the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol and the funeral of Jimmy Carter just a few days later have created major security needs as well.
The Metropolitan Police Department in a statement expressed sympathies in light of the New Orleans attack and said it was increasing security.
“While there is no known threat to the District of Columbia, out of an abundance of caution, MPD has heightened its security posture across the city in light of recent events,” the department said.
MPD promised an “increased police presence” and to work with federal and state law enforcement to assess threats.
“While we do not discuss specifics regarding operations, tactics, or staffing, the community will notice an increased police presence throughout the city,” MPD said. “Whenever an incident occurs in the country, MPD closely monitors the situation, evaluates intelligence, and assesses our security posture. As the nation’s capital, we maintain a heightened level of security at all times to ensure the safety of our residents, businesses, and visitors.”
The FBI is investigating the attack, which is a suspected terrorist attack that killed 15 and left 35 injured. An Islamic State group flag was reportedly found on the attacker’s vehicle. This attack comes alongside a Cybertruck filled with explosives outside of Trump hotel in Las Vegas left one dead and many more injured.
Biden convened an emergency national security meeting Thursday because of the New Orleans attack.
“As a matter of practice, the Secret Service does not discuss the means and methods used for our protective operations,” Matthew Young, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, told The Center Square. “What we can say is that we will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in assessing the ever-changing threat landscape and will adjust our security plans as needed.”
This article was originally published at www.thecentersquare.com
