Hightened security for presidential inauguration

Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States in Washington, D.C., on 20 January 2009. Officials anticipate that 2-4 million people will attend the inauguration and related events. Significant transportation and communications disruptions are expected in the Washington metropolitan area. U.S. officials have stated that they have received no credible terrorist threats against the inauguration, although there are concerns due to the event’s historic importance, the number of dignitaries expected to be in attendance and the large crowds that are anticipated. The Department of Homeland Security has designated the inauguration as a National Special Security Event, which makes the U.S. Secret Service responsible for coordinating security preparations. Travellers and residents should anticipate heightened security measures throughout the city.