The 57th Presidential Inaugural, to be held Jan. 21, 2013, was designated a National Special Security Event (NSSE) by the Secretary of Homeland Security on September 12, 2012. The NSSE also includes events sponsored by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. This allows the full force of the federal government to be brought to bear in the development of the event security and incident management plans, ensuring the safety of all participants.
“While the Secret Service takes the lead in securing the Inauguration, protecting an event this large and complex requires collaboration among many agencies and organizations,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano. “I want to especially thank the U.S. Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Metropolitan Police Department, Joint Force Headquarters – National Capital Region/Military District of Washington, U.S. Capitol Police, U.S. Park Police and Washington Metro Area Transit Authority for their efforts to develop and implement this robust security plan. We are appreciative of these partnerships to keep the President, and all who come to Washington, D.C. to share in this special event, safe.”
Security and transportation plans for the 57th Presidential Inaugural have been developed by a partnership of local, state and federal law enforcement and public safety agencies. DHS will support these efforts in the following ways:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has the primary responsibility for coordination of contingency planning for the 57th Presidential Inauguration and will provide consequence management readiness, coordination, response, and recovery capabilities.
The National Protection and Programs Directorate will provide real-time integrated situational awareness and information sharing. In addition, Protective Security Advisors have conducted facility security assessments to assist in planning for the event while the Federal Protective Service will provide resources to secure Federal Buildings in the designated zones.
The Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response Program Operation’s will provide support near regional airports and rail stations. TSA is also deploying Transportation Security Officers from across the country to assist the U.S. Secret Service in the screening of participants along the parade route and at select inaugural events.
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has primary responsibility for the coordination of maritime security planning and maritime domain awareness to protect critical transportation infrastructure. The USCG will conduct waterside security patrols; security sweeps at marinas located within the protected region, and other operations including enforcement of airspace restrictions.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement will provide pre-event planning, participation in event command centers, and response capability as required.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection will provide multiple aerial assets to assist federal, state, and local agencies and assist with perimeter security.
Homeland Security Components Getting Set for Inaugural
