Law enforcement prepares for DC military parade

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Law enforcement agencies are preparing for a massive military parade in the nation’s capital this Saturday that celebrates the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.

“We’re preparing for an enormous turnout. Hundreds of thousands of attendees. It is our duty to ensure the safety and security of every participant,” said Matt McCool, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office.

Secret Service is leading the security preparations for the parade and detailed the plans during a press conference on Monday afternoon.

McCool said thousands of law enforcement officers from federal, state and local agencies will be deployed to Washington for the parade. 18.5 miles of anti-scale fencing, 17 miles of concrete barriers and 175 magnetometers are also being set up to ensure that the event is secure.

Secret Service will also take to the skies for the parade.

“You may also notice multiple drones operating in the area. These are great tools for law enforcement situational awareness as part of our layered security strategy,” said McCool. “Rest assured, all drones will be owned and operated by the Secret Service or our partners. So please do not be alarmed.”

MPD Police Chief Pamela Smith said numerous road closures and parking restrictions are also in place for the parade.

“We expect major impacts to traffic, especially around the National Mall, West Potomac Park and the Ellipse on Saturday,” she said. “...we strongly encourage the public to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and consider using Metro Transit or other public transportation options.”

The FBI, U.S. Park Police and Washington’s local and transit police are also involved in the parade’s security planning.

FBI Special Agent Phillip Bates said that law enforcement is currently monitoring for any potential threats.

“We’re not currently aware of any credible threats to the Army 250th birthday celebration,” he said. “However, we continue to work closely with our partners and share information to identify and disrupt any threats that may emerge.”

Protests against the parade and President Donald Trump are also expected on Saturday. The president has long spoken of having a large military parade. The event also coincides with his 79th birthday.

Law enforcement officials said on Monday that they are tracking nine demonstrations on the day of the event.

“So we have several permits currently pending,” said Jessica Taylor, Chief of U.S. Park Police. “From what we’ve reviewed thus far in our communications, we don’t have any significant concerns.”

Attendees who want to watch the parade will be screened. A separate security screening is also required for anyone who wants to attend the U.S. Army’s birthday festival, which is being held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m on Saturday.

Attendees are prohibited from bringing several items with them to the event. For the full list of items that are prohibited, visit the MPD’s parade event notice page.

The parade is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. and is expected to last one hour. A concert after the parade is also scheduled along with fireworks at 9:45 p.m.

The parade route runs along Constitution Avenue NW, between 23rd Street NW and 15th Street NW. A map of the route is available on the Army’s website.

Tickets for the parade are free but are limited to two per mobile phone number. Visit the America250 website to obtain tickets.

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