DC police tighten security in 'abundance of caution' for major events after New Orleans attack
Source: USA Today
Published 4:31 p.m. ET Jan. 1, 2025 | Updated 4:35 p.m. ET Jan. 1, 2025
WASHINGTON − Security tightened across the nation's capital on Wednesday after a vehicular attack in New Orleans, which killed 10 people and injured at least 35, but there is no known threat to the city, authorities said. The Metropolitan Police Department heightened its security posture across the city "out of an abundance caution" after the New Orleans attack, although there is no known threat to the city, according to Paris Lewbel, deputy director of communications for the department.
"Whenever an incident occurs in the country, MPD closely monitors the situation, evaluates intelligence, and assesses our security posture," Lewbel said. “While we do not discuss specifics regarding operations, tactics, or staffing, the community will notice an increased police presence throughout the city."
The FBI is investigating the New Orleans incident as "an act of terrorism" and continues to search for other suspects, after the driver was shot and killed by local police. The attack came the same day as the Sugar Bowl, a college football matchup between Notre Dame and the University of Georgia, was scheduled. The game was postponed a day.
Several high-profile events that could attract large crowds are scheduled in Washington in the coming weeks. Congress reconvenes on Friday, lawmakers will count Electoral College votes on Monday, the late President Jimmy Carter will lie in state at the Capitol from Tuesday to Thursday and President-elect Donald Trump will be inaugurated on Jan. 20.
Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/01/01/dc-police-tighten-security-new-orleans-attack/77385002007/