US leaders are raising security in state capitals across the country amid experts’ concerns about increased violence

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“As someone who worked at the Justice Department during the 2000s on al-Qaeda-related terrorism and worked extensively on counter-terrorism investigations and cases, there were several times when we anticipated a follow-up attack on a world event,” Carrie Cordero, a CNN legal and national security analyst, said Saturday. “I have the same feeling now.”

“It feels like there is a substantial threat,” Cordero added.

In response, state leaders in the US are increasing security around their capital: they bring in National Guard members for help, throw up barriers, shut windows, ask residents to avoid the area and some even close the capital’s grounds altogether off.
According to US prosecutors, 275 cases are pending in the Capitol riot investigation
In Washington, DC, the Pentagon has authorized up to 25,000 National Guard members for Inauguration Day. According to the Department of Defense, members of the National Guard who support US Capitol Security will be armed. The rehearsal of the opening ceremony will now be delayed for a day due to heightened security concerns, acting Deputy Home Security Secretary Ken Cuccinelli said.

Cuccinelli quoted “online chatter” about the previously scheduled Sunday practice day, but said there are “no specific credible threats.”

“It was decided to postpone one day and leave the Secret Service in a position, and the whole team on the other side of the Washington Metro, to respond on that day if necessary,” he said.

The DC mayor is urging Americans to watch the inauguration from home

In a fortified Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser has urged Americans to enjoy the inauguration practically from home and has asked anyone who doesn’t need to go outside to avoid restricted areas.

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“Our goals right now are to encourage Americans to participate virtually and to protect the District of Columbia from a repeat of the violent uprising in the Capitol and its grounds on January 6,” Bowser said at a news conference Monday.
On Friday, the U.S. Capitol Police arrested a Virginia man when he attempted to pass through a police checkpoint with unauthorized inaugural credentials, an unregistered pistol and more than 500 rounds of ammunition, according to court documents.
In an interview with the Washington Post, the man said he had been working as a hired security guard in Washington DC for the past week and was given credentials to monitor media equipment. He told the Post he forgot he had his firearm in his car when he left his home in Virginia, where he said he was licensed to carry it.

USPS removes blue mailboxes

Ahead of Wednesday’s ceremony, the US Postal Service (USPS) temporarily removed some mailboxes in several major US cities as a security measure to protect postal assets, employees and the public, according to press releases from USPS jurisdictions in at least 17 states. .

Many USPS blue collection boxes in Washington, DC, are temporarily removed or locked, and notices have been placed on the individual boxes indicating the date when they will be unavailable for service.

The agency took the same measures in the country’s capital during President Donald Trump’s inauguration four years ago.

The expansion to other locations, a spokesperson told CNN, is based on USPS’s awareness of “planned protests or other situations involving large crowds” in key cities and areas.

TSA raises security posture

The Transportation Security Administration said Friday it has “significantly raised its security position” following the attack on the Capitol and in preparation for its inauguration, adding that it is processing “hundreds” of names with law enforcement agencies for risk assessment.

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“Our intelligence and vetting professionals work diligently around the clock to ensure that those who could pose a threat to our aviation industry undergo better screening or are unable to board an aircraft,” the agency said in a statement.

The agency said there are now additional layers of security at DC-area airports and other transportation hubs, including “more law enforcement and explosives detection dog teams” and arbitrary gate screening.

“Our staff will continue to work closely with partners at the federal, state and local levels, as well as with appropriate intelligence communities to ensure that TSA’s stance continues to incorporate all necessary security measures and capabilities within our authority in the coming days,” it added. .

Airbnb says it will block reservations in DC area during the inauguration

The House Oversight Committee also sent letters to more than two dozen bus line, car rental and hotel operators on Thursday asking for help in identifying and preventing the ongoing and extreme threat of further violent attacks in Washington, DC and elsewhere in the period ahead. . days. “

The request also noted that the rioters from earlier this month “relied on a range of companies and services to get them there and accommodate them as soon as they arrived,” and asked companies to increase security and guest screening and make business data available. to keep for future research.

“Nothing Undone”: States that close and arm their capitals

Meanwhile, local and state leaders from coast to coast have stepped up security for the next few days following warnings from officials of possible more violence.

In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear announced that the state capital site will be completely closed on Sunday to “further ensure the safety of everyone – both on or around the property and in the neighborhoods around” the Capitol.

“Domestic terror is never okay,” he said in a statement. “We have to stop it every time we see it, and we cannot allow what we saw in the Capitol to become a new normal for this country.”

Texas officials also said the State Capitol and its grounds will remain closed from Saturday to Wednesday, adding that they were aware of “planned armed protests” and “violent extremists who may be trying to exploit constitutionally protected events to prevent criminal acts. to commit acts “.

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency in connection with the inauguration, to enable the state to “coordinate and provide assistance more efficiently” to its local jurisdictions and neighboring states, the governor’s office said Friday. .

Minnesota leaders said Friday they are ready for the expected protests, noting there were no credible threats against the state capitol.

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“I want you all to be comfortable and make sure nothing has been undone to protect the capital,” said John Harrington, public safety commissioner.

“We’re not in a panic,” added Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “We are concerned, we are alert and we are prepared.”

In South Carolina, officials in the city of Columbia advised anyone who does not need to be in the city center, near the Capitol, to stay at home.

“Unless you need to be downtown this weekend, especially on the inauguration day,” said Mayor Stephen Benjamin, “I encourage you to stay home.”

CNN’s Priscilla Alvarez, Greg Wallace, Lauren Fox, Hollie Silverman, Raja Razek, Ross Levitt, Artemis Moshtaghian, Manu Raju, Jamie Crawford and Whitney Wild, Jon Passantino, Rebekah Riess contributed to this report.

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