Heightened Security at the Obama Inauguration
By Kailani Koenig-Muenster -- 1/20/09 It has been an extreme showing of security here in Washington for the largest event ever to hit the nation's capital. And today it became even more intense as the city geared up for Barack Obama to take his oath of office.
Police, the National Guard, and federal agents swarmed the National Mall to make sure the proceedings went off without a hitch. National Guard units also were stationed along many street corners.
Along the parade route, police and state troopers from around the country lined both sides of the streets. There were snipers on top of almost every building in the area.
The FBI and Homeland Security had issued a joint threat advisory indicating that a Somali-based terrorist organization may have been in the planning stages of an attack that coincided with inaugural events.
Although extra precautions were added, the national risk level was not heightened. Sixty percent of the National Guard troops were actually tucked away in a warehouse with swat gear in case they were needed. Extra precautions were taken at checkpoints along the Mall.
Some spectators were stuck in crowds surrounding the mall for 5 hours before they were able to reach their first security checkpoint. Others never made it inside at all. Tens of thousands of potential swearing-in spectators were left out of the events because of monstrously long lines and overcrowding.
While no significant violence was reported, some mobs became so crammed that people passed out. Over 960 people visited the First Aid stops located along the mall.
Photo Credit: Kailani Koenig-Muenster, WEBN News 2009.