Donald Trump inauguration sees Washington DC on lockdown as 'Ring of Steel' security on high alert
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Washington DC has been locked down with a "ring of steel" line of defence ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration. Thousands of police, soldiers and FBI agents will line the US capital ahead of Monday's ceremony to swear in the 47th President. Two command centres have been set up for the event, with drones at the ready and 30 miles of "unclimbable" fencing erected to bolster security.
The mammoth measures follow four confirmed previous assassination attempts on the 78-year-old during his campaign to win back the presidency. Trump is to take the oath inside the Capitol Rotunda on Monday due to extreme cold temperatures in Washington.
Nearly 8,000 soldiers have been stationed in the city to support the 25,000 police officers monitoring the event. Despite no specific threats, officials are prepared for the "worst" on Monday after the previous attempts on Trump's life - one of which was during a public rally last summer.
Matt McCool, Secret Service Special Agent in Charge, admitted: "We are in a higher-threat environment.” US Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger said: "That threat of the lone actor remains the biggest justification for us being at this heightened state of alert throughout the next week.”.
A huge circle of trucks, concrete blocks and fencing has been put into place, creating what is reportedly the longest blockade ever in Washington history. Those attending the event are to be subjected to heavy airport-style security checks, with banners, selfie sticks and even water bottles all banned from the area.
