Washington, USA: Following a deadly attack in New Orleans and an explosion outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas, U.S. cities, including Washington D.C., have ramped up security in anticipation of further threats amid a month full of large-scale public events.
Washington D.C. police announced increased security across the city on January 2, in response to the recent incidents. With major events upcoming, including the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter on January 9 and President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, law enforcement has assured the public that there will be a heightened police presence throughout the city.
Additionally, Trump is scheduled to hold a "victory rally" at the Capital One Arena on January 19. On the evening of January 1, as fans arrived for a Washington Wizards basketball game, vehicle barriers were put up on an adjacent street, a precaution not typically seen at regular NBA games.
January 6 will also mark the certification of Trump's November 5 election win by U.S. Congress, coinciding with the anniversary of the 2021 U.S. Capitol attack by Trump supporters. This year, the certification ceremony has been designated as a National Special Security Event, a designation made before the New Orleans attack. This means the U.S. Secret Service will take the lead in security efforts, collaborating with federal, state, and local law enforcement to assess and address any evolving threats.
"We will continue to work with our partners to assess the ever-changing threat landscape and adjust security plans accordingly," said Matthew Young, a U.S. Secret Service spokesperson.
Ongoing Investigation into New Orleans Attack
The investigation into the January 1 New Orleans attack continues, where a U.S. Army veteran carrying an Islamic State flag deliberately crashed his truck into a crowd of New Year's Eve celebrants, resulting in at least 15 fatalities, including the suspect. Authorities have stepped up security ahead of the Sugar Bowl college football game, scheduled to take place just a mile away from the site of the attack.
FBI officials are also looking for potential links between the New Orleans incident and a separate explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, where a Tesla Cybertruck filled with gasoline canisters and large firework mortars exploded. While the FBI's Washington Field Office has not found any immediate connections between the two events, it is coordinating with law enforcement agencies to prevent potential threats.
State of Emergency in Louisiana
In light of the New Orleans attack, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency in Orleans Parish on January 1. This declaration will allow additional resources to remain in place through the end of Mardi Gras on March 4, which coincides with the February 9 Super Bowl.
New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno stated that security around the Superdome, the venue for the Sugar Bowl, had been significantly enhanced, including the installation of water-filled barricades and multiple bomb-sniffing dog sweeps. The game, originally scheduled for January 1, was postponed due to the truck attack.
"The level of resources and security is unprecedented," Moreno said, noting the deployment of 100 National Guardsmen and law enforcement officers from various agencies.
Increased Security in New York and Other Cities
In response to the New Orleans attack, New York City also heightened security, particularly around Penn Station and other key areas, including Trump Tower and Times Square. Mayor Eric Adams stated on social media that despite the absence of any credible threats, the New York Police Department (NYPD) had increased its presence and was monitoring the situation closely.
"The NYPD has been working with federal and regional partners to assess potential threats," the department said in a statement. "At this time, we have not identified any specific or credible threats to New York City."
