As Washington, D.C., gears up for a busy summer of major events for the nation’s 250th anniversary, federal law enforcement agencies are preparing for the large crowds and increasing security in the city.
Inside the D.C. Armory on Tuesday, agencies including the FBI, U.S. Capitol Police, U.S. Park Police, Secret Service and the D.C. National Guard came together to showcase the equipment, personnel and resources they’ll be using to help secure the Freedom250 events.
“Compared to the cost of a life, we would rather lose a robot than lose a bomb tech,” said Aidan Garcia, a bomb technician team leader for the FBI. “So the aspects of bringing general public into a space with the VIPs makes a challenge for protection, both from Secret Service and for us with public safety, officer safety of how we protect these events.”
Much of the equipment are tools that law enforcement hopes they’ll never need to use. But they’re training and preparing to ensure they’re ready for any situation.
“The vessel in the back is designed to withstand and contain a blast or detonation from an IED,” said Don Stensland, a bomb technician for the U.S. Capitol Police.
The summer’s major events include a UFC match at the White House, a massive Fourth of July celebration and state fair and the Freedom250 Grand Prix in August.
Each event requires extensive coordination among law enforcement agencies.
“At this time, we are not tracking any credible threats to the events of this summer. With that being said, it comes as no surprise to anyone that D.C. on a normal day is a target-rich environment, and we are prepared for any threats and we will work with our partners to address those,” said Darren Cox, the assistant director in charge for the FBI Washington Field Office.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend these events, and law enforcement says public awareness will be just as important as the security presence on the ground.
“You play a critical role in public safety. I can’t emphasize this enough: If you see something, say something,” said Tara McCleese, special agent in charge for the Secret Service Washington Field Office.
All visitors will be screened at the entry points to the events on the National Mall, according to the Freedom250 website.
Authorities say no drones or weapons of any kind are allowed at the events. Other prohibited items include aerosol sprays, backpacks that exceed size restrictions, strollers, umbrellas, lighters and drink tumblers. See the full list and find more info about the events online.
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