WASHINGTON - The man in charge of the security surrounding President-elect Barack Obama (web | news | bio) 's Inauguration described the efforts as "unprecedented" on Tuesday.

U.S. Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan described the closure of several bridges and of a 3.5-mile swath of downtown D.C. on Inauguration Day is necessary. As is the $75 million price tag for security.

Sullivan spoke at a news conference Tuesday morning with D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, along with other officials. The leaders hoped to clarify the security procedures in place on Inauguration Day, and address concerns about whether the security went too far.

Anyone attending the Inaugural Parade along Pennsylvania Avenue will undergo security screening, as will those attending Inaugural balls and inside ticketed areas for the swearing-in ceremony.

Security will only allow 280,000 to 300,000 people into area for the inaugural parade. Officials expect it to reach capacity by 10 a.m., at which point they will start turning spectators away. That number does not include the 5,000 people who will have ticketed bleacher seats. 

Mayor Fenty is telling people who want to attend that they'll either have to choose between the parade or the swearing-in, because going to both will be virtually impossible.

Officials stress that anyone planning to take part in the events needs to make a plan ahead of time. "This is not like throwing the family in the van and heading down for a visit at the Air and Space Museum. You need to have a plan," said Gov. O'Malley.

Some have wondered whether the road and Metro closings might make attending the events too difficult. "So we wrestled with that, and made some decisions that are, I think, the right decisions that leave people options if they plan ahead," said Gov. Kaine. 

Those watching the ceremony from the National Mall will likely not be screened, but they will be under observation by security from 58 agencies. All 3,800 MPD officers will be on duty, with more than 7,000 National Guardsmen helping out. Other security will be invisible.

"There are going to be a lot of things out there you see and a lot of things you don't see," Sullivan said.

The National Mall was a flurry of activity on Tuesday. By next Tuesday, there will be miles of fencing and blockades across the Mall and downtown D.C. Don't be surprised to see helicopters and fighter jets overhead.

Carole Rodero plans to make the trip down to the Inauguration. She believes the security is unfortunate, but necessary.

"I do think that there is always a chance and it's too bad and there's maybe a greater chance because of who Obama is and the color of his skin," she said.

"I think it's worthwhile levels of security, considering the new president and history-making event -- it could be a good target, so..." added Virginia resident John Seltzer.

"We haven't seen crowds like this so maybe it is prudent," said D.C. resident Tamon Honda.


The president's declaration of an emergency in the district for the inauguration authorizes federal aid, but a few residents worried the move although necessary could send the wrong message.

"I think it might frighten people because Hurricane Katrina was a state of emergency," said D.C. resident Katie Rodriguez.

Metro is adding 200 security personnel to its staff for Inauguration Day, as part of plans to keep the crowds safe on their way to the ceremony and parade.

Metro Transit police Chief Michael Taborn says the agency has also reached out to 100 retired transit officers for added help.
Homeland Security emphasizes there is no credible threat for Inauguration Day.

The 13 checkpoints along the parade route are scheduled open at 7 a.m. and will close once the street hits its limit. 

The checkpoints will be:

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2nd Street NW and C Street NW

3rd Street NW and C Street NW

Indiana Avenue NW between 6th St. NW and 7th St. NW

7th Street NW and D Street NW

10th Street NW and E Street NW

12th Street NW and E Street NW

E Street NW just east of 13th Street NW

13th Street NW just north of E Street NW

14th Street NW just north of E Street NW

12th Street NW between Constitution Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue

10th Street NW between Constitution Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue

7th Street NW between Constitution Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue

Constitution Avenue between 6th Street NW and 7th Street NW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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