Bowser: DC under National Special Security Event period today ahead of inauguration

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the District is under a National Special Security Event period beginning Wednesday ahead of the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20. 

Bowser said she requested that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extend the security period so it could start today instead of Jan. 19 as it was originally planned. 

On Monday, the mayor asked the DHS to coordinate with the Department of Defense and the Department of Justice (DOJ), Congress, and the Supreme Court to establish a security and federal deployment plan for all federal property.

ALSO READ: Mayor Bowser extends pause of activities in D.C. through the Presidential Inauguration

She's also requested that the acting attorney general at the DOJ to direct the FBI to provide an intelligence and threat briefing daily during the period of Jan. 11-Jan. 24 to DC Homeland Security and D.C. Police and all law enforcement agencies in the District. 

Bowser added that she's asked the secretary of the Department of the Interior cancel any and all public gathering permits in D.C. and deny any applications for public gathering permits during the period of Jan. 11-Jan. 24. 

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Moreover, the mayor on Monday extended the holiday pause for phase two activities through Jan. 22, and residents are urged to avoid downtown D.C. unless they have essential work. 

Beginning at 6 a.m. Friday, Jan. 15 all parking garages in restricted zones will be blocked off. Any vehicle that's still in a garage or loading zone parked in the restricted zones at 6 a.m. on Friday have to stay there until after the inauguration.  Businesses that need to receive deliveries will be advised of an off-site screening area, according to Bowser. 

ALSO READ: Trump approves Bowser's request, issues emergency declaration for inauguration

"Clearly were are in uncharted waters it is important we work with partners to secure these events and secure parts of our city," Bowser said. 

President Donald Trump on Monday issued an emergency declaration for D.C. amid growing concern among local and federal authorities about violence in the lead-up to and during President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.

Trump's emergency declaration is in effect from Monday through Jan. 24.

ALSO READ: D.C. mayor requests feds to bolster security preparations for upcoming inauguration