Congress to Receive Security Comparable to the Super Bowl on January 6, 2025
The Department of Homeland Security has classified the certification of the 2024 election as a "national special security event" in an effort to avert a recurrence of the Capitol riot.
TroibNews 
For the first time, the federal government has designated the certification of the presidential vote next year as a “national special security event,” recognizing that this typically routine aspect of democracy now presents unique risks.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ designation places the Jan. 6 session of Congress on par with significant events like the Super Bowl and the U.N. General Assembly in terms of security protocols. This designation will enable measures to prevent a repeat of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot carried out by Donald Trump’s supporters, who sought to overturn the 2020 election results.
“National Special Security Events are events of the highest national significance,” said Eric Ranaghan, special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s Dignitary Protective Division, in a statement issued Wednesday regarding the designation. “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 announcement highlights the charged political climate, with recent polls indicating a tight race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris amid a deeply polarized electorate.
The designation allows the Secret Service to take the lead on security planning and to provide extensive resources to state and local authorities that assist in these efforts. Such a designation will lead to unprecedented security measures when Congress officially certifies the presidential election results.
On Jan. 6, 2021, a mob of Trump supporters, driven by false claims of a stolen election, stormed the Capitol in an attempt to halt the certification of Joe Biden's victory. The rioters overwhelmed the police present until additional support arrived from the National Guard and local law enforcement.
The Jan. 6 select committee, which investigated Trump’s attempts to disrupt the election process, recommended that the Biden administration consider designating next year's Jan. 6 session as a major security event in its final report. Former Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf mentioned that such a designation should be “threat-driven” and would provide security agencies with additional resources for preparations.
The Secret Service indicated in its announcement on Wednesday that the decision followed a request from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. The agency also noted that “a formal planning process is underway” and that an executive steering committee—which will include “senior representatives from federal, state and local law enforcement and public safety partners”—is set to convene in the coming weeks.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas’ designation places the Jan. 6 session of Congress on par with significant events like the Super Bowl and the U.N. General Assembly in terms of security protocols. This designation will enable measures to prevent a repeat of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot carried out by Donald Trump’s supporters, who sought to overturn the 2020 election results.
“National Special Security Events are events of the highest national significance,” said Eric Ranaghan, special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s Dignitary Protective Division, in a statement issued Wednesday regarding the designation. “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 announcement highlights the charged political climate, with recent polls indicating a tight race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris amid a deeply polarized electorate.
The designation allows the Secret Service to take the lead on security planning and to provide extensive resources to state and local authorities that assist in these efforts. Such a designation will lead to unprecedented security measures when Congress officially certifies the presidential election results.
On Jan. 6, 2021, a mob of Trump supporters, driven by false claims of a stolen election, stormed the Capitol in an attempt to halt the certification of Joe Biden's victory. The rioters overwhelmed the police present until additional support arrived from the National Guard and local law enforcement.
The Jan. 6 select committee, which investigated Trump’s attempts to disrupt the election process, recommended that the Biden administration consider designating next year's Jan. 6 session as a major security event in its final report. Former Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf mentioned that such a designation should be “threat-driven” and would provide security agencies with additional resources for preparations.
The Secret Service indicated in its announcement on Wednesday that the decision followed a request from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. The agency also noted that “a formal planning process is underway” and that an executive steering committee—which will include “senior representatives from federal, state and local law enforcement and public safety partners”—is set to convene in the coming weeks.
Max Fischer contributed to this report for TROIB News
