National security and law enforcement agencies have recommended that the entire National Mall be closed to the public for the Biden-Harris inauguration amid threats of violence from domestic terrorist groups of Trump supporters who believe Biden’s election was fraudulent, NBC News reports.
Federal law enforcement officials have cited increasing chatter among domestic terrorists in a recent call to local authorities, calling on them to be extra vigilant in the upcoming days before the inauguration.
A large open lawn, the National Mall runs from the Capitol to the Washington Monument and is typically open to the public. During Barack Obama’s inauguration, more than one million people gathered to watch the ceremonies. Donald Trump’s inauguration attracted significantly fewer people.
The National Park Service will work with the Biden Inauguration Committee, as well as DC and federal law enforcement to secure the area, possibly reaching a decision by Friday.
One permit, to a group called “DC Action Lab,” has been issued to protest on the Mall during the inauguration, and the Park Service will make a decision about honoring or withdrawing that permit to demonstrate.