As lawmakers prepare to certify the 2024 election, the security measures and atmosphere on Capitol Hill are notably different from previous years. This certification marks the first since the violent attack on January 6, 2021, when protesters turned a routine procedure into a deadly riot at the US Capitol.
The security presence at the Capitol building and surrounding congressional offices has significantly increased compared to four years ago. Previously, there was only one ID checkpoint to access the Capitol from the Senate office buildings, but now there are three, accompanied by a heightened police and security presence.
Police officers are visible throughout the buildings, stationed on every floor and in every corner. Additionally, New York police officers have been observed alongside US Capitol police. The security perimeter has been expanded, restricting vehicle access on nearby streets.
New signage has been prominently displayed within the buildings, emphasizing that only staff, media, and official business visitors are allowed inside the Capitol grounds. Despite the hope for a routine day, a serious and somber mood lingers over the Hill, serving as a stark reminder of the events that transpired four years ago.
