The federal government has classified Congress’ certification of electoral votes for the 2024 presidential election as a “National Special Security Event,” the Secret Service revealed on Wednesday. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas approved this designation, which will significantly increase security for the January 6, 2025, vote count to avert another Capitol riot.
Eric Ranaghan, head of the Secret Service’s Dignitary Protective Division, stated that National Special Security Events are of the utmost national importance. He affirmed the Secret Service’s commitment, along with federal, state, and local partners, to devising a comprehensive security plan to ensure the event’s safety.
The upcoming electoral vote count, occurring in a joint session of Congress two months post-Election Day, marks the first since the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot aimed at halting Joe Biden’s 2020 victory certification over Donald Trump. The special designation was requested by Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser and considered recommendations from the House Select January 6 Committee and the Government Accountability Office.
The 2025 Electoral Votes Certification at the US Capitol on January 6, 2025 has been officially designated as a “National Special Security Event” for the very first time. pic.twitter.com/n3e8Eu7Sd2
— Anthony Tilghman (@AnthonyTilghman) September 12, 2024
An Executive Steering Committee, featuring senior representatives from various law enforcement and public safety agencies, will meet soon to detail the security measures. The Secret Service mentioned that this designation enables substantial federal, state, and local resources to be used in a cohesive security strategy. As the lead agency, the Secret Service is responsible for the design and execution of the operational security plan.
The January 20, 2025, presidential inauguration and the Democratic and Republican national conventions held earlier this year were also classified as National Special Security Events. These conventions featured extensive law enforcement presence and multiple security layers, successfully preventing disruptions.
What Other Media Are Saying
- ABC News reports that the Department of Homeland Security has designated January 6, 2025, as a National Special Security Event, ensuring heightened security for the certification of presidential election results.(read more)
- NBC News reports that Congress will receive enhanced security for the January 6, 2025, electoral vote count, a move aimed at preventing further incidents like the 2021 Capitol riot. This classification is unprecedented for electoral vote certification, with the Secret Service leading the planning and utilization of federal, state, and local resources.(read more)
- Fox News reports the U.S. Secret Service will ramp up security on January 6, 2025, to prevent another riot at the Capitol, following a request from Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and designating the event as a National Special Security Event.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is a National Special Security Event?
Events of highest national significance with enhanced security by the US Secret Service and partners.
Why is the 2024 electoral vote certification designated as a National Special Security Event?
To prevent another riot like the one on Jan. 6, 2021, and ensure the event’s safety.
Who approved the special security designation for the 2024 electoral vote certification?
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
What role does the US Secret Service play in a National Special Security Event?
It leads the design and implementation of the operational security plan.
What other events have been designated as National Special Security Events?
The Jan. 20, 2025, presidential inauguration and the 2024 Democratic and Republican national conventions.