VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Because of forecasted frigid temperatures, the inauguration of Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. will be indoors at the Capitol Rotunda.
But outside, security will be tight.
And a local emergency response team will be there helping make sure of that.
Trump’s swearing-in will be D.C.’s third major national security event since the beginning of the year — the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, and the elections certification where additional security was needed.
Members of the VBSO were on hand in D.C. Jan. 6 for Congress’ presidential vote certification, and last October, they trained with the U.S. Capitol Police.
“It was a huge honor,” said Lt. Demetrius Taylor of the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office. “Everybody was really excited. There was a lot of preparation that went into it.”
Taylor was there along with other members of the VBSO’s emergency response team.
“It’s very cold, but it was a small price to pay for something so, so significant,” Taylor said.
And now, two weeks later, 16 members of the emergency response team will be heading back to the nation’s capital to provide assistance to the U.S. Capitol Police. Lt. Mark Kimener will be one of those going to D.C.
“Our goal is really just to be there as a backup, and, in the event that something does go a little awry, we can help support, make sure [of] that crowd control and manage the situation,” Kimener said. “There’s expected to be a lot of people there, and we’re hopeful that everybody’s there.”
More than 250,000 people have tickets for the event, and as far as security, 25,000 police officers and military personnel are on hand, and close to 4,000 officers from other parts of the country will also be there.
The deputies’ training for Monday’s inauguration goes back to October in Beltsville, Maryland.
“Just make sure that I leave no stone uncovered and make sure that all of my guys are prepared,” Taylor said, “that they have all the equipment that they need, that they’re briefed on all the intelligence that comes filtered through me and my captain.”
The FBI is monitoring any threats and, according to agents, there are no specific threats at this time. However, they are being vigilant because of previous threats to the incoming president’s life.
“We’re always prepared for everything and anything,” Kimener said. “But again, we’re just hopeful that Monday goes off peacefully and everybody is there to enjoy this.”
If you’re going to the inauguration, security will be tight, and there will be road closures in D.C. You may want to map out your destination prior to leaving.
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