The federal government has announced a major security upgrade for the upcoming joint session of Congress where electoral votes are counted.
According to The Washington Post, the Department of Homeland Security has designated the January 6, 2025 electoral count as a National Special Security Event, elevating it to the same security level as presidential inaugurations and political conventions.
This unprecedented move comes in response to the events of January 6, 2021, when supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol during the electoral vote certification. The Secret Service will now take charge of security for the count, implementing a comprehensive plan to ensure the safety of lawmakers and the integrity of the process.
Eric Ranaghan, the special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service's Dignitary Protective Division, emphasized the significance of this designation. He stated:
National Special Security Events are events of the highest national significance. The U.S. Secret Service, in collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners are committed to developing and implementing a comprehensive and integrated security plan to ensure the safety and security of this event and its participants.
This decision follows a request from D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser and a recommendation by the House select committee that investigated the January 6 attack. The goal is to mobilize resources and law enforcement from across the federal government to protect members of Congress during the certification process.
However, the implementation of these security measures hinges on congressional action. The White House Office of Management and Budget has requested that lawmakers ensure the Secret Service has sufficient funding to secure National Special Security Events and protect key figures throughout the election period.
In the wake of the 2021 Capitol riot, various stakeholders have been working diligently to prevent a recurrence of such events. Lawmakers, aides, lawyers, activists, political strategists, and law enforcement officers have been engaged in extensive planning and preparation for potential post-election scenarios.
These efforts include tabletop exercises, legal briefings, internal discussions, and the development of law enforcement strategies. The focus is on anticipating and addressing a wide range of potential threats to the peaceful transition of power.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking Democrat of the House Oversight Committee, highlighted the importance of this comprehensive approach. He noted that while they were prepared for parliamentary maneuvers in 2021, they were caught off guard by the violent breach of the Capitol. Now, their goal is to prepare for every conceivable contingency.
J. Thomas Manger, the Capitol Police Chief who took over six months after the 2021 riot, provided insights into the improved security measures. The force now boasts 2,200 sworn officers, an increase of about 250 compared to four years ago. Manger emphasized their enhanced capabilities: "We are better equipped, better trained and have a better operational plan than we did on Jan. 6."
Manger now has the authority to directly request National Guard assistance, streamlining the response process. He also highlighted the increased focus on intelligence gathering, with the Capitol Police now actively participating in the intelligence community.
The number of threats against members of Congress has risen dramatically, from fewer than 4,000 in 2017 to 9,600 in 2023. This increase underscores the need for heightened security measures and intelligence efforts.
The designation of the January 6, 2025 electoral count as a National Special Security Event marks a significant shift in approach to safeguarding the democratic process. This move reflects the lessons learned from the 2021 Capitol riot and the ongoing concerns about potential threats to the peaceful transfer of power. The enhanced security measures, coupled with extensive planning and preparation by various stakeholders, aim to prevent any disruptions to the electoral certification process.
