The Secret Service has announced that the counting and certification of electoral votes at the Capitol in January 2023 will come with significantly increased security measures. This decision comes in response to the events of the January 6 riot in 2021, when a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s victory. The Department of Homeland Security has designated the Jan. 6 count as a national special security event, giving it a level of security similar to events like the State of the Union address and the Super Bowl. The Secret Service will oversee the planning for the event to ensure safety and security.
The designation of the Jan. 6 count as a national special security event is a first for the certification of electoral votes and highlights the significance of the event. Eric Ranaghan, the special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s Dignitary Protective Division, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of the event and its participants. The designation has historically been reserved for special events such as the Republican and Democratic national conventions, the United Nations General Assembly, and presidential inaugurations. The enhanced security measures are intended to prevent a repeat of the chaos and violence that occurred during the 2021 riot.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser requested the designation, according to the Secret Service, which cited reports from the former House Jan. 6 committee and the Government Accountability Office as influencing factors. The designation will unlock federal, state, and local resources to be used in the security plan, and a panel of representatives from various levels of law enforcement will meet in the coming weeks to collaborate on planning. The increased security measures aim to prevent any threats or disruptions to the electoral vote certification process and ensure the safety of attendees.
The January 6 riot resulted in four deaths and about 140 police officers being assaulted, according to the Justice Department. The attack also caused around $1.5 million in damage to the Capitol building. The violence and chaos of the 2021 riot underscored the need for enhanced security measures at future events, such as the certification of electoral votes. The Secret Service’s decision to designate the Jan. 6 count as a national special security event reflects the seriousness of the security concerns surrounding the event and the importance of ensuring a safe and secure environment for all involved.
Overall, the increased security measures for the upcoming certification of electoral votes at the Capitol in January 2023 are in response to the events of the Jan. 6 riot in 2021. The designation of the event as a national special security event reflects its significance and the importance of ensuring the safety and security of participants. The Secret Service will oversee the planning for the event, working with federal, state, and local partners to develop a comprehensive security plan. The enhanced security measures aim to prevent any disruptions or threats to the certification process and protect attendees from potential violence or chaos.
