U.S. national security agencies have warned that President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration on January 20 could be an “attractive potential target” for violent extremists, despite no specific credible threats being identified.
Extensive Security Measures in Place
To mitigate potential risks, security agencies are ramping up efforts. According to officials, approximately 25,000 law enforcement and military personnel will secure the event. This includes around 4,000 officers reinforcing Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department, with nearly 1,000 additional officers supporting the Capitol Police.
“Past protests by some of these individuals have involved traffic blockades, trespassing, property destruction, and resisting arrest,” the threat assessment states.
Heightened Threats from Iran and Domestic Extremists
The threat assessment, compiled by agencies such as the FBI, Secret Service, and Capitol Police, outlined several concerns. Foreign terrorists, domestic extremists, and lone wolves could carry out attacks using tactics like bomb hoaxes, swatting calls, drone flights, or vehicle-ramming attacks.
Particular attention has been given to potential threats from Iran, which has sought to retaliate against Trump for the killing of General Qassem Soleimani in 2020. The report mentions that 700,000 users on Telegram threatened to assassinate Trump following the 2024 election.
Escalating Volatility Compared to 2021
John Cohen, a former counterterrorism official, noted that the current threat environment is more volatile than that of 2021, despite the January 6 Capitol riot occurring weeks before Biden’s inauguration. “The threat environment today is even more volatile and dangerous,” he stated.
Protests Add to Security Concerns
Officials have also expressed concern over protests that could turn violent. Recent demonstrations, including those related to the conflict in Gaza, have disrupted Capitol Hill without warning, further heightening tensions.
Security preparations have been ongoing since May, with agencies working closely to ensure the event’s safety. A Capitol security official emphasized that this inauguration would see the largest-ever collaboration between law enforcement agencies.
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