Coordinated Security Response Needed For Inauguration: DC Mayor

WASHINGTON, DC — Mayor Muriel Bowser sent a letter Sunday to the head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security asking for a more coordinated federal response to the threat of violence through the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 20.

The mayor's request comes days after she called the breach of police lines outside the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday and subsequent occupation of the building by pro-Trump rioters a "catastrophic security failure."

At that time, she also questioned the apparent disparity between the large number of federal forces in place during the racial justice protests in June following the death of George Floyd and Wednesday's lesser federal response at the U.S. Capitol.

"While I will be reaching out to a broad range of local, regional, and federal partners to enhance cooperation among our bodies, I strongly urge the United States Department of Homeland Security to adjust its approach to the Inauguration in several specific ways," Bowser said, in her letter to acting DHS Secretary Chad F. Wolf.

Bowser called on DHS to coordinate with Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the departments of Defense and Justice to establish a security and federal force deployment plan for all federal property. This would free up the Metropolitan Police Department to focus on its primary mission, which is to protect the citizens of the District.

"Consistent with established protocols and practices, it is the primary responsibility of the federal government to secure federal property in these situations," Bowser said, in her letter.

Three days prior to last Wednesday's insurrection, the Pentagon asked Capitol Police if it needed National Guard manpower, according to an AP report. Additionally, Justice Department leaders reached out on Wednesday to offer the help of FBI agents. The Capitol Police turned them down both times, senior defense officials and others familiar with the situation told The AP.

MPD officers rushed to the Capitol on Wednesday at the request of U.S. Capitol Police to help regain control and establish a security perimeter around the building. By Friday, District police had arrested 80 people in connection with the riot.

The mayor asked DHS to extend the National Special Security Event period to Sunday, Jan. 24. This would allow for greater federal and District preparation to respond to new threats and insurgent acts through the inauguration. She also recommended that DHS secure permission from Congress to include the Capitol within the NSSE perimeter.

Bowser said she was submitting a request for a pre-disaster declaration via the Robert T. Stafford Act for the inauguration. This would help to expedite direct federal assistance to the District to help prepare for the inauguration.

In addition, Bowser asked the secretary of the Department of Interior to cancel any and all public gathering permits in the District and deny any applications for such permits through Jan. 24.

"We have made this request repeatedly since June 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this week demonstrated the National Park Service’s willingness to approve last minute permits and major adjustments," Bowser said.

Also see ...

'Catastrophic Failure' At US Capitol Must Be Investigated: Mayor

80 Arrested For Civil Unrest At US Capitol And Around DC

Trump Mob Attacks Capitol; 4 Deaths; 69 Arrests; FBI Seeks Tips