The United States Secret Service (USSS) will be stepping up security to “ensure the safety and security” of the electoral votes to be cast at the Capitol on January 6, 2025.
The USSS confirmed the security measures in an email to Fox News Digital. The agency released a statement on Wednesday saying that Jan. 6, 2025, has been “designated a National Special Security Event by the Secretary of Homeland Security.”
“This designation allows us to leverage significant resources from the federal government, as well as state and local partners, in comprehensive security planning,” the agency said in a statement. “Once an event is designated a national special security event, the U.S. Secret Service assumes its mandated role as the lead agency in the design and implementation of the operational security plan.”
The agency said Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser requested the increased security. The 2025 presidential inauguration, which will take place on Jan. 20, had previously been designated a special national security event.
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Trump supporters rally outside the Capitol building in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. Thousands of people gathered to show support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud as Congress prepares to certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
“This is the first time that a national special security event designation has been authorized for the certification of electoral votes and follows a request from the Mayor of Washington to designate the event as a national special security event,” the USSS statement read. “Various reports, including from the House of Representatives Select Committee on January 6th and the Government Accountability Office, have also called on the Secretary of Homeland Security to consider designating a national special security event for future certifications of electoral votes.”
Eric Lanagan, special agent in charge of the USSS's VIP security division, said in a statement that the voting session had been designated an event of “utmost national significance.”
“The U.S. Secret Service is committed to working with our federal, state and local partners to develop and implement a comprehensive and integrated security plan to ensure the safety and security of this event and its participants,” he said.
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A Capitol Police officer stands outside a fence set up outside the Capitol grounds, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
An executive steering committee made up of “senior representatives from federal, state and local law enforcement and public safety partners” will be convened to begin the formal planning process.
The request came in direct response to the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, in which thousands of supporters of former President Trump stormed the Capitol building to protest the counting of electoral votes.
During Tuesday night's presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, President Trump was asked by ABC host David Muir if he had any regrets about the events of January 6.
In this Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, file photo, violent protesters loyal to President Donald Trump storm the Capitol building in Washington. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)
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“I have nothing to do with it other than being asked to speak,” the Republican candidate responded.
