The District is operating with an increased security posture as preparations for the electoral certification, scheduled for Jan. 6, and State Funeral of former President Carter, scheduled for Jan. 9, are underway. Both events have been designated as National Security Special Events (NSSE).
of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), US Secret Service, US Capitol Police and the FBI Washington Field Office spoke Friday about precautions ahead of next week’s high security events. Many precautions include traffic pattern changes, parking restrictions and road closures beginning on Friday, Jan. 3 through Thursday, Jan. 9. Residents and visitors are encouraged to utilize WMATA for transportation, particularly in the vicinity of the Capitol.
Carter Funeral
DC will hold Carter’s state funeral from Tuesday afternoon through Thursday. Thursday is a national day of mourning for Carter, who was 100 years old when he died Dec. 29.
A funeral procession will begin at the United States Naval Memorial on Pennsylvania Avenue and travel to the US Capitol Tuesday, where Carter will lie in state in the Rotunda from Tuesday evening to Thursday morning.
The line to the Capitol Visitor Center will open to the public at Second Street and East Capitol Street at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday. At 7:00 p.m., the U.S. Capitol Rotunda will open to the public until midnight.
Visitors who wish to pay their respects to the late President should be prepared for cold weather conditions because the visitor line will extend outside the Capitol Visitor Center. You can check the latest weather information HERE.
The National Park Service (NPS) said of the public can view Carter lying in state Tuesday from 7 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday and from 7 a.m. on Wednesday to 7 a.m. on Thursday. His funeral at the Washington National Cathedral will be held Thursday but is closed to the public.
The Washington Navy Yard will also conduct a ceremonial gun salute along the waterfront (River Walk) in honor of former President Carter on Jan. 9, 2025, beginning at 12 p.m. The rounds are expected to be audible all over the region. The salute will take place over twenty minutes, shot at one-minute intervals until 21 rounds have been fired.
Effective Sunday morning, MPD will assume a “full activation” posture to provide additional resources and personnel. Chief Pamela Smith emphasized that the department is “committed” to upholding the right to peacefully assemble, but warned that those intent on causing destruction or disruption. “We will not tolerate any violence, rioting, destruction of property, or any behavior that threatens the safety and security of our city,” she noted.
Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office, David Sundberg, added that the bureau is “not tracking any credible or specific threats” associated with these events. Citing this week’s events in New Orleans and Las Vegas, Sundberg noted that all local and federal law enforcement agencies would be “operating in a heightened threat environment”.
The United States Capitol Police (US) are “prepared to ensure that the legislative process will proceed without disruption and our government will have a peaceful transfer of power” according to Chief J. Thomas Manger. While there is currently “no evidence” of plans for a “mass demonstration like we had four years ago,” all agencies are on “high alert” for these events. The capital fence is expected to remain in place through the inauguration on Jan. 20.
Visit mpd.dc.gov to learn more about this week’s events and stay up to date about road closures, parking restrictions and changes to traffic patterns.
Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at [email protected].
