National mall in Washington to remain closed till inauguration day amid security concerns

The National Park Service said on Friday that the National Mall in downtown Washington will remain closed till the Presidential inauguration on January 20 due to security concerns. 

The mall is being declared off-limits on the order of the Secret Service to “ensure the security of the President”, the National Park Service said. 

In a statement released the duration of the closure was announced. The mall shall be inaccessible to the public from 11 AM on Friday till Thursday, after the President-elect has been sworn in, with the possibility of an extension. 

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The statement read, “The closure has been ordered to ensure safety and security within the area of the National Special Security Event designated by the Department of Homeland Security for the 59th presidential inauguration.” 

The additional security protocols are being introduced due to the unprecedented violent attack on the US Capitol building on January 6. 

Security officials have warned against possible violence in Washington and other state capitals by armed supporters of outgoing President Donald Trump. 

National Guard and US Capitol police have been deployed in huge numbers to protect and secure the National capital. 

The statement read, “Demonstrations will be limited in number and participants will be screened prior to entry and escorted to their permitted location, in addition to other safety-related requirements. Only those holding permits will be allowed within the closed area.”

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Muriel Bowser, the mayor of Washington, has urged the public to not leave their homes as the inauguration ceremony of US President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will mostly be held in a virtual format. 

The authorities have also designated “Green Zones” in the state capital which identify sensitive areas that are potential targets. The Green Zones, which are a part of the transportation plan, will only exist until after the inauguration. 

A statement from the US Secret Service says, “Vehicle traffic (is) restricted to residents or businesses within the restricted area and National Guard personnel will be assisting with verifying traffic entering into the Green Zone.”