Homeland Security strengthens security measures for the 2025 election vote count

The US Department of Homeland Security is planning extensive security measures to protect the certification of the 2024 presidential election results. This certification will take place on January 6, 2025, at the Capitol. The goal is to prevent another attack like the one on January 6, 2021. On Wednesday, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the Director of Homeland Security, announced that January 6, 2025, will be classified as a National Special Security Event (NSSE). This classification means that significant federal, state, and local resources will be mobilized to enhance security measures. A comprehensive security plan will be developed and coordinated by various agencies. The Secret Service will oversee the implementation of this security plan. Eric Ranaghan, Special Agent of the Dignitary Protective Division of the Secret Service, emphasized in a statement the high importance of National Special Security Events. The lead agency will work closely with partners at various levels of government to ensure the safety of all involved. The storming of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, by a pro-Trump mob aiming to prevent the certification of the 2020 election results remains a cautionary example. At that time, the Capitol Police were inadequately prepared, despite Donald Trump calling for a "wild" rally in Washington days earlier. Following the attack, which resulted in over 150 police officers being injured and several people being killed, the Government Accountability Office recommended considering a special security classification.