WASHINGTON (WJLA) — Security, security and yes, more security – with the images from January 6, 2021still fresh in the minds of many Americans, residents, businesses and officials of Washington DC are taking almost every step to reduce this the potential of violence from frustrated followers of one of the major political parties.
Mayor Muriel Bowser said Monday at the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Joint Operations Command Center (JOOC) and several other systems will be activated until the presidential inauguration. The facility will be the heart of DC security operations, while Homeland Security and Emergency Management Administration will help communicate with the public.
This came as several leaders in Washington, including Police Chief Pamela Smith, gathered at the JOOC to try to address some concerns ahead of a contentious election cycle.
“While we expect timely results from DC races, the presidential race may take longer than expected,” Bowser said. “All sides point to a close race that could take some time before all states announce their declared winner.”
Washington police said they have already increased security measures in several areas of the city, including the White House and commercial areas. Smith encouraged peaceful post-election protests on Monday, but said her office will ensure those protests do not escalate.
Let me be clear, there will be no tolerance for violence in our city, no destruction or any unlawful behavior, as I have said before, we will hold all offenders accountable,” Smith said.
“We will not tolerate the destruction of property, and we will not tolerate threats to public safety and this election process.”
The U.S. Secret Service and other federal and local agencies will also be active and working with MPD until the inauguration, with plans to request National Guard troops closer to the inauguration, officials said.
However, city leaders said there is no longer a credible threat as of Monday.
Before the press conference ended, Mayor Bowser hesitated when asked how she felt about Tuesday’s election.
I feel very sad that this is the state of affairs… but the way I deal with fear is to work and make sure that we are as prepared as possible and that people – all people, win or lose – do good. thing,” Bowser said before praising the district’s workers.
“There’s an election tomorrow, and the next day is Wednesday,” Bowser said. “And then there’s Thursday and we’ll still be Washington DC and I’ll still be the mayor.”