Federal Government Increases Security for Jan. 6, 2025, Electoral Certification, Designates Event as NSSE

Sep 12, 2024, 01:28 AM

The U.S. federal government has announced a significant increase in security measures for the January 6, 2025, joint session of Congress, where lawmakers will count and certify the electoral votes from the November 5, 2024, election. This session has been designated a National Special Security Event (NSSE) by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the first time, following recommendations from the D.C. Mayor and other officials. The designation, which places the event on par with the Super Bowl and the State of the Union address in terms of security, aims to prevent a repeat of the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas has confirmed the heightened security measures, which will involve the U.S. Secret Service and other federal agencies to ensure the safety and integrity of the electoral certification process.