WASHINGTON — The capital city of the United States often struggles to cope with wintry conditions. Residents, especially those who have moved from milder climates, frequently express frustration over the local populace’s ability to drive on snowy roads and the swift closure of schools at the first indication of snowfall.
Currently, Washington is facing a significant snowstorm that is expected to bring up to a foot of snow in some regions by Monday night. This weather development complicates an already demanding situation for city officials, who are managing multiple high-security events in the coming weeks.
For the first time, the District of Columbia is preparing to host three National Special Security Events (NSSE) within a two-week period. These events include Monday’s congressional certification of President-elect Donald Trump’s electoral victory, the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter later this week, and Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
“This has never happened before,” stated Matt McCool from the Secret Service’s Washington field office. The NSSE designation is reserved for events attracting large crowds and potential protests, necessitating extensive coordination among various agencies, including local D.C. officials, the FBI, the Secret Service, Capitol Police, and the National Guard.
The certification process, traditionally a low-profile event, was elevated to NSSE status following the violent events of January 6, 2021. However, the proceedings on Monday were carried out smoothly amidst heightened security measures that resembled those in place during a presidential State of the Union address.
“The Washington, D.C., area is well-versed in these high-profile events,” McCool commented to the media last week. “Still, back-to-back NSSEs present a unique situation.” With the certification completed, attention now shifts to the elaborate arrangements for Jimmy Carter’s funeral, which will smoothly transition into preparations for the inauguration. Officials are especially cautious about potential confrontations between supporters and opponents of Trump, with planned protests on January 18 and 19.
Metropolitan Police Department chief Pamela Smith emphasized the department’s commitment to upholding the right to peaceful protest but reiterated that any violent or destructive actions would not be tolerated. She announced that the department would be on “full activation” from January 5, deploying additional officers with specialized training throughout the city.
Additionally, residents should expect an increased presence of security and surveillance drones, as the entire District of Columbia typically operates as a no-fly zone for such devices. Ashley Preston, an associate history professor at Howard University, mentioned that the current political climate adds layers of anxiety to the ongoing events, particularly considering the heightened tensions surrounding Trump’s second term and the recent attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas.
“The passing of a former president and the ensuing memorial events are conventional, but the political atmosphere is significantly charged right now, marking this moment as particularly unusual,” Preston commented in an email. She expressed a lack of confidence in authorities due to the events of January 6, 2021, but noted that a smooth execution of upcoming gatherings might help restore her trust.
Immediate concerns also include whether the anticipated snowfall will deter visitors from coming to pay their respects to Carter. Tracking service FlightAware.com reported more than 1,200 flight cancellations or delays on Monday at Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport, with Baltimore-Washington International Airport also experiencing over 480 disruptions.
Following memorial services in his home state of Georgia, Carter’s casket is set to arrive in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday. The ceremonies, scheduled to continue through Thursday, will include a horse-drawn funeral procession reminiscent of the somber event for John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Despite the inclement weather, these events remain on the agenda, and federal offices in the D.C. area have already announced a closure for Tuesday.
The harsh weather has necessitated alterations to typical White House protocols. President Joe Biden was unable to use the Marine One helicopter as planned on Monday and instead drove to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland to board Air Force One. In a scene evocative of covert presidential missions to conflict zones, Biden’s departure for New Orleans and Los Angeles began within a hangar—a departure from standard procedure—shielded from the snowfall. He took off during a brief lull in the weather.
