US tightens election certification security to avoid repeat of 2021 Capitol attack
The Department of Homeland Security has designated the process as a National Special Security Event
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas designated the forthcoming vote-counting proceedings as a National Special Security Event, a label that comes with increased planning and resources.
It’s the first time the typically routine congressional meeting to certify the quadrennial presidential result has received the special security designation, highlighting early efforts to prepare for any disputes over election tallies as former president Donald Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris face off at the polls in November.
“National Special Security Events are events of the highest national significance,” Eric Ranaghan, special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s Dignitary Protective Division, said in a statement on Wednesday.
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Trump supporters storm US Capitol, interrupting Congress’ certification of Biden’s victory
A federal watchdog faulted the Department of Homeland Security for failing to use that designation for the 2021 joint session of Congress that was disrupted by angry Trump supporters who disputed his defeat in the 2020 presidential election.