The inauguration ceremony of the new president of the United States will be held in Washington, D.C., on January 20 local time.
After the violent impact on the U.S. Congress on January 6, potential security threats shrouded over Washington like clouds.
On the 17th, many core areas of Washington were heavily guarded to prevent possible violence.
At present, Washington is heavily armed, and the Department of Defense has authorized the deployment of 25,000 National Guard soldiers in Washington.
According to CBS, 25,000 are five times the number of U.S. troops currently stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Washington citizen: It’s like a war zone.
As the inauguration of the new president approaches, the security of the capital of Washington, D.C., is getting tighter and the atmosphere is becoming more tense.
The core of Washington has almost entered a complete closure. Barriers have been set up at various intersections near federal institutions such as the parliament building, and heavily armed soldiers can be seen everywhere.
The solemn atmosphere made many citizens feel depressed and uneasy.
Washington citizen: Washington is like a war zone.
Washington citizen: This is terrible, terrible.
Seeing so many National Guard vehicles parked on the roadside, we just wanted to get out and see how it was going.
It’s really scary, I don’t like it, it’s disturbing.
Former FBI director fears armed violence
According to the Associated Press on the 17th, former FBI director Comey said that during the inauguration ceremony, there may be incidents of violence caused by armed men.
In the next few days or even weeks, more violence may occur.
On the 17th, Washington Mayor Bowser told the media that she was worried not only about the potential security risks in areas such as the Capitol, but also about possible attacks in other parts of Washington, including residential areas.
Bowser said that they had made a plan to transfer police forces to the relevant areas immediately in the event of an attack or riot in the residential area.
