U.S. Department of Homeland Security Designates 2005 Presidential Inauguration as National Special Security Event

Release Date: 11/08/04 00:00:00

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
November 8, 2004

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated the Presidential Inauguration to be held on January 20, 2005 as a National Special Security Event (NSSE). This NSSE designation will also be extended to the Swearing-in Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, the Inaugural Parade, the official reviewing stand on Pennsylvania Avenue, and the Inaugural Balls.

A number of factors are taken into consideration when designating an event as a National Special Security Event including anticipated attendance by dignitaries and the size and significance of the event.

When an event is designated a National Special Security Event, the U.S. Secret Service assumes its role as the lead federal agency for the design and implementation of the operational security plan. Federal resources will be deployed to maintain the level of security needed for the designated events.

The U.S. Secret Service is responsible for planning, directing and executing federal security operations at designated NSSEs and, together with state and local law enforcement partners, develops the overall security plan. In the Washington, D.C. area, the Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Capitol Police and the U.S. Park Police as well as a number of other federal and local agencies will play an active role in securing this event.

In 2004, there were five NSSE’s: the 2004 State of the Union Address, the Sea Island G8 Summit, former President Ronald Reagan’s Memorial Services, and the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.

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This page was last reviewed/modified on 11/08/04 00:00:00.