Welcoming a new president to lead the free world could endanger far more than one person. Hundreds of key leaders and massive crowds are a tempting target for America's enemies. The inauguration can also be a world stage for disruptive dissent, requiring layer upon layer of security to protect against threats inside and out.
Federal, local and private partners started working in April 2016 to make the 58th presidential inauguration last month on January 20 a showcase of the capital city, said Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. “Every four years our government works overtime to keep everyone safe during the peaceful transition of power that is the hallmark of our democracy.”