Working with our local and national law enforcement partners, the Sheriff’s Office provided staffing to assist with security efforts at the 14th Street Bridge, the U.S. Capitol and Reagan National Airport during inauguration week.

In coordination with Virginia State Police and the U.S. Secret Service, teams of deputies worked with officers from the Herndon Police Department in closing the 14th Street Bridge. More than 24 hours before Inauguration Day ceremonies began, traffic was diverted at the bridge onto the George Washington Parkway as part of a comprehensive security plan. In addition to the teams of deputies who worked at the closure site, two supervisors on opposite shifts were detailed to the incident command post in Arlington. The bridge reopened the morning after inauguration.

ASO’s Civil Disturbance Unit (CDU), specially trained and equipped to respond to large protests with disorderly or violent participants, supported the law enforcement and security efforts at the Capitol (at right). CDU members monitored activity and provided a visible presence in advance of and on Inauguration Day.

Several deputies also assisted the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) Police Department at Reagan National Airport. With guidance from MWAA police commanders, the deputies patrolled on foot inside the terminal and along the Metro platform, monitoring activity and providing a reassuring presence to travelers and airport workers.

In the past, deputies have assisted with traffic and crowd control along the inauguration parade route. This year’s inauguration required additional security measures and the Sheriff’s Office was proud to be able assist and provide expanded support.