The Homeland Security secretary has taken new measures to secure the congressional count and certification of the presidential election following the riot on Jan. 6, 2021. This event has been designated as a national special security event overseen by the Secret Service, joining events like political conventions and the U.N. General Assembly in this category for the first time.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas made this decision in response to a request from the mayor of Washington, D.C., considering the high-profile nature of the event and the potential threats from terrorists or criminals. The Secret Service will lead the security planning process, forming a steering committee in advance to enhance coordination and resource deployment across the federal government.
Eric Ranaghan, the special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Dignitary Protective Division, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of the Jan. 6 certification event and its participants through a comprehensive security plan. This move comes in the aftermath of the violent riot where rioters caused chaos at Capitol Hill, leading to casualties and injuries among police officers and protestors.
In response to the special security designation, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed the commitment of House Democrats to safeguarding democracy, free and fair elections, and the peaceful transfer of power. With concerns about potential future unrest, especially from extremist factions, Jeffries acknowledged the necessity of enhanced security measures to prevent a repeat of the tragic events of Jan. 6, 2021.
The Secret Service, currently facing scrutiny over its handling of security incidents, is tasked with restoring its reputation following a recent assassination attempt on Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. As investigations into the agency’s decisions and planning continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of high-profile events like the Jan. 6 certification of the presidential election.