In preparation for this week’s General Election on Nov. 5, the subsequent certification process and the Presidential Inauguration, the District has heightened its security posture across all eight wards.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) hosted a briefing Monday afternoon with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela Smith detailing plans to ensure that all events, including First Amendment activity, remain safe and secure.
“Our team has one focus, and that is how to keep Washington DC safe and secure for residents and visitors,” Bowser said, adding that the new t Operations Command Center would serve as a key resource for law enforcement partners to deliver “timely, accurate information” to the public over the coming weeks.
Plans, Bowser noted, also include collaboration with local and federal partners including the National Guard. Bowser reported that there are currently no “credible threats of violence” to the District, but said she anticipates making a National Guard request during the period between election and Inauguration day.
MPD has been “fully engaged and vigilant” and is paying “close attention” to ensure Washingtonians can safely get to and from polling places to cast their votes, Smith reported. She added that the department taken many proactive measures to increase police presence in and around the White House and across the city.
“There will be no tolerance for violence in our city,” Smith said. “We will hold all offenders able.”
While the District anticipates timely results for local races, Bowser encouraged residents to be patient with Presidential election results. “All signs point to a close race that could take time for all of the states to release their declared winner,” she noted.
The community is encouraged to stay informed and rely on trusted sources for updates and information. Sign up for AlertDC here. Visit mpd.dc.gov to learn more.
Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at [email protected].
