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4w ago

Massive Security Plan Unveiled for America 250 Events in Washington

Officials say the plan centralizes Secret Service command to provide coordinated control over checkpoints, increased Guard support, road closures and a 24-hour drone no-fly zone for hundreds of thousands of expected visitors.

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The U.S. Capitol backdrops the National Mall where construction crews prepare The Mall for the 250 anniversary celebrations, Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
US-HOLIDAY-INDEPENDENCE-DAY

Overview

  • Federal, local and Park Police briefed the public on a unified security operation that uses National Special Security Event protocols to coordinate the FBI, Secret Service, U.S. Capitol Police and other agencies.
  • Authorities reported there are no known credible threats while urging vigilance and public reporting of suspicious activity to help protect the large summer crowd.
  • The public should expect checkpoints, strict bag rules, road closures and major Freedom 250 events to occupy traditional National Mall fireworks viewing areas, changing where and how people can watch July Fourth celebrations.
  • D.C. will enforce a 24-hour no-fly zone over the Mall with possible drone seizure, arrests and civil fines up to $100,000 for unauthorized flights.
  • The D.C. National Guard will expand support for traffic control, crowd management and patrols, but independent research from the Niskanen Center questions whether added Guard deployments produce measurable reductions in violent crime.