The upcoming counting and certification of electoral votes at the Capitol in January will see significantly heightened security measures, according to an announcement by the Secret Service. This event, marking the first certification since the January 6, 2021 riot, will be under increased surveillance to prevent a repeat of the previous chaos.
The Department of Homeland Security has classified this event as a “national special security event,” aligning it with the level of security typically provided to high-profile occasions like the State of the Union address or the Super Bowl.
This designation is unprecedented for the certification of electoral votes and aims to address the vulnerabilities exposed by the violent disruption in January 2021. During that incident, supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the certification of Joe Biden’s victory, resulting in significant turmoil and damage.
The new security measures are a proactive step to safeguard against similar threats and ensure the smooth execution of the electoral vote count.
Capitol Electoral Vote Certification in January to See Unprecedented Security Measures After January 6 Riot
Eric Ranaghan, the special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s Dignitary Protective Division, emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting the event’s national significance.
The Secret Service, in collaboration with federal, state, and local agencies, will develop and implement a comprehensive security plan to protect the event and its participants. This coordinated effort reflects a commitment to preventing any disruptions and maintaining order during the certification process.
The designation of this event as a national special security event is a first for the electoral vote certification process and mirrors the heightened security typically afforded to major national events. The Secret Service noted that this decision was influenced by recommendations from the former House January 6 committee and the Government Accountability Office, which had urged for enhanced security measures.
The January 2021 Capitol riot resulted in four deaths, the assault of around 140 police officers, and approximately $1.5 million in damage to the Capitol building. The increased security for the upcoming electoral vote count underscores the lessons learned from that incident and the determination to ensure a secure and orderly process for the certification of votes.
