Independence Day revelers can expect a massive security presence in the District this weekend, as the nation’s capital prepares to ring in America’s 250th anniversary on Saturday.
The Department of Homeland Security designated the annual fireworks display as a National Security Special Event for the first time ever, with thousands of visitors needing to pass through airport-style screenings such as ID checks and magnetometers to view the fireworks show on the National Mall.
Road closures will stretch from the Kennedy Center to the U.S. Capitol, with authorities taking steps to enforce waterway restrictions on the Potomac and Anacostia rivers to make way for what has been billed as the largest fireworks show in history.
Federal and local law enforcement said no credible threats have been tied to the event, but given how frequently attempts have been made on President Trump’s life — with one being foiled just this month — officials said they are taking no chances on July 4.
“While we are confident in our planning, we recognize that we are in a heightened threat environment,” said Tara McLeese, special agent in charge of the Secret Service Washington Field Office, on Monday at a press conference.
“The Secret Service’s protective intelligence apparatus remains in constant coordination with our partners, and we remain focused on advanced identification and interdiction of threats to this event,” she said.
Ms. McLeese referenced the planned attack at UFC Freedom 250 on the White House lawn, which federal agents thwarted days before it was supposed to be launched.
Seven suspects have been arrested in connection to the plot, which sought to target Mr. Trump and other high-level officials with explosive drones and gunfire.
But security scares have not deterred Mr. Trump, who has promised to hold a 9 p.m. rally before the first fireworks are set off at 10:30 p.m. An airshow will begin the day at 1 p.m.
Ms. McLeese said bad actors planning carnage in the District will encounter hundreds of officers with the uniformed Secret Service, U.S. Park Police, the Metropolitan Police, National Guard troops who have been deployed in the city for nearly a year and “unseen resources” to ward off agitators.
Authorities previously said rooftop police snipers and armored vehicles could be deployed to guard the semiquincentennial celebration.
The FBI also stressed the importance of counter drone teams positioned at Saturday’s festivities.
Much like they have with FIFA World Cup games taking place across the country, federal authorities will be able to jam and intercept drones that fly into the restricted airspace.
“All of Washington, D.C., is a no-drone zone,” said Darren Cox, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “Flying a drone anywhere in the District or near any of the events or any of the Freedom 250 celebrations is illegal and dangerous.”
He said a drone caught flying in the area may be seized, and can result in the pilot being arrested and a fine of up to $100,000.
Officials encouraged attendees at the Great American State Fair, which sits on the east side of the Washington Monument, to remain at the fair since they expect prime viewing areas west of the monument to fill up fast.
Organizers warned of a looming heat wave that will descend upon the national capital region later this week, with temperatures expected to reach nearly 100 degrees on Saturday.
Visitors’ ability to beat the heat will be challenged by a large list of restricted items that can’t be brought to the National Mall. Chairs, coolers and “canopies” are not allowed inside the secure watch zones, and neither are canisters of spray-on sunscreen.
The fireworks show is expected to begin at 11 p.m. Anyone visiting the District for the occasion is advised to use Metrorail, given the road closures.
