Security preparations for the inauguration of Joe Biden

Following the attack and reports of subsequent threats to disrupt Biden's inauguration and incite nationwide unrest, the Secret Service launched a security operation that surpassed any in modern U.S. history^[1] with the aim of avoiding a repeat of the deadly Capitol riot.^[6][7] On January 11, Trump approved a request for an emergency declaration in Washington, D.C., allowing federal assistance through FEMA to help secure the event.^[8] On January 14, a thirteen-page "joint threat assessment" was issued by the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and other federal and local agencies, identifying domestic extremist groups as "the most likely threat" to the inauguration, followed by foreign influence operations to inflame tensions and drone attacks.^[9][10] Separately, the FBI warned that far-right extremists had discussed impersonating National Guard members to infiltrate the ceremony,^[11] though later vetting of troops only led to the removal of twelve members from duty for presenting various potential "security liabilities".^[12][13]

On the same day, the Secret Service established a Multi-Agency Command Center (MACC) to coordinate inauguration security—established six days earlier than planned—composed of agents and representatives from many government agencies (such as the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Defense Department, Park Police, and D.C. Metro Police) and private companies (including a gas company, CSX railroad, and Amtrak).^[1] At the request of D.C. Metro Police, the Marshals Service assisted with inauguration security, and planned to deputize up to 4,000 local law enforcement officers from across the nation to assist.^[6] Mesh fencing and barriers that were previously installed for the construction of the inaugural stage were torn down in the riot,^[1][14] and rehearsals for the ceremony, originally set for January 17, were postponed until January 19, citing security concerns.^[5] "Non-scalable" seven foot-high crowd control barriers with razor wire atop them and jersey barriers were installed around the perimeter of the Capitol grounds to prevent disruptions during the ceremony and deconstruction of the platform.^[15]

The activation of National Guard forces into D.C. was a logistically challenging operation, with members arriving from all 50 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia itself.^[16][17][18] Commanded by Major General William J. Walker of the D.C. National Guard, troops were assigned various duties, including traffic and crowd control and grounds patrol.^[19][10] Arriving troops were required to undergo COVID-19 questionnaire screenings, but few were required to take COVID-19 tests for clearance to join the mission.^[20]

NJ National Guard Troops deployed inside the Capitol, pictured during the swearing-in on January 12th

Due to lack of cots, troops inside the Capitol had to sleep on the floor, attracting significant media attention^[24]

National Guard forces increased steadily in the days leading up to the inauguration,^[22] and the authorized maximum of 25,000 troops was reached on the eve of Inauguration Day—three times the number activated for recent ceremonies.^[23] The total number of troops in the city may have been the highest since the American Civil War—comparable to that during Abraham Lincoln's first inauguration, which also featured an increased military presence—and surpassed the 13,000 guardsmen deployed during the 1968 riots.^[25] Thousands rested in Emancipation Hall of the Capitol Visitor Center,^[6] but their lax adherence to COVID-19 guidelines, such as remaining distant from each other and wearing facial coverings, led to nearly 250 members contracting the disease.^[20] While most state governors and adjutant generals agreed to requests from the Defense Department officials to send additional troops, some governors declined, desiring to retain capability to defend their own state capitols.^[16]

In addition to the National Guard troops, the Defense Department assigned an estimated 2,750 active-duty personnel in support of inaugural operations; about 2,000 to perform ceremonial duties (military bands, color guards, salute-gun battery, sentries, and ushers) and the remaining 750 in specialized units (including CBRN defenses, bomb squads, logistics and communications personnel, and medical personnel).^[12] Aircraft and watercraft, including U.S. Coast Guard cutters and U.S. Air Force fighter jets, patrolled the water and air.^[12]

Ahead of the inauguration, the Transportation Security Administration increased aviation security at the three D.C.-area airports, increasing the use of random gate screenings, explosive detection dogs, and federal air marshals.^[25][10] Washington, D.C.-area airspace (which is ordinarily highly restricted) was even more tightly controlled.^[12][26]

Organizers and officials made an unprecedented effort to deter people from visiting Washington, D.C. during the week of the inauguration over concerns of political violence. Efforts included:

• D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser urged tourists not to visit the city,^[7] and the Office of Personnel Management asked federal agencies to allow federal employees to work remotely.^[10]
• The National Mall, which served as a non-ticketed viewing area in past ceremonies, and Washington Monument at its geographic center, were closed to the public.^[7] Much of the surrounding downtown area near Capitol Hill, Union Station, the Lincoln Memorial, and White House came under significant parking restrictions and road closures.^[27][28]
• The Washington Metro closed thirteen Metrorail stations;^[29] the stations that remained in operation ran on a Saturday schedule. Metrobus service was also modified, with routes changed due to the security perimeter.^[30]
• MARC Train and Virginia Railway Express commuter rail service from suburban Maryland and Virginia were suspended.^[31][32] Amtrak issued a travel advisory and increased security, halting Northeast Regional service.^[33]
• The U.S. Postal Service temporarily removed or locked public post boxes and suspended mail collection in Washington and several major U.S. cities to "protect postal property, employees, and the public".^[34]
• Airbnb canceled all reservations in the city,^[35] major airlines banned incoming travelers from checking firearms on board,^[36] a local hotel workers' union called on hotels to restrict guests to those providing inauguration security,^[37] and many parking garages around the Capitol were closed.
• The Commonwealth of Virginia closed four bridges connecting to D.C.—Theodore Roosevelt, Arlington Memorial, Interstate 395, and 14th Street.^[38] A stretch of 10 miles (16 km) of the Potomac River between the Francis Scott Key Bridge and the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge was closed to marine traffic.^[39]
• The House Oversight Committee asked 27 transportation and hotel companies, including Avis, Hertz, Marriott, and Hyatt, to implement screening procedures to prevent the use of their services by domestic terrorists targeting the inauguration.^[5]