News: Increased Security Measures for January 6 Electoral Vote Certification

Significant Security Enhancements for January Electoral Vote Certification

The counting and certification of electoral votes at the Capitol in January—the first since the January 6 riot in 2021—will come with significantly increased security, as announced by the Secret Service. The Department of Homeland Security has officially designated the January 6 count as a national special security event, providing it with a level of security akin to major events like the State of the Union address and the Super Bowl.

Overview of Security Measures

The Secret Service will oversee the planning, marking a crucial step to avoid a repeat of the chaos from nearly four years ago when a mob disrupted the electoral vote count affirming President Joe Biden's victory. Eric Ranaghan, the special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s Dignitary Protective Division, stated, “National Special Security Events are events of the highest national significance.”

• The designation is typically reserved for events like national conventions and presidential inaugurations.
• Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser requested the designation amidst growing security concerns.
• The designation unlocks federal, state, and local resources for security efforts.

Planning and Collaboration

The Secret Service is collaborating with federal, state, and local partners to formulate a comprehensive security plan. A panel from various law enforcement levels is scheduled to convene to finalize the preparations in the coming weeks. The tragic events of 2021 resulted in four fatalities and significant injuries among law enforcement, emphasizing the necessity of these enhanced security protocols.