People patiently stood in the wind, snow, and hail waiting for their turn to enter Capital One Arena on January 19.
The helicopter controlled by pilot Jeff Hertel took on the role of monitoring the crowd from above during Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony. “And detected suspicious vehicles outside the periphery, large trucks and similar objects,” CBS Radio quoted the pilot as saying.
Mr. Hertel said helicopters allow law enforcement officials to have remote viewing capabilities.
Members of the Florida National Guard participate in security work outside the Capital One arena on January 19
‘Magic Eye’ in the air
“You can see a car going fast, or you can watch the roof in the dark to check if there is an intruder, or if the subject is carrying a weapon?”, the pilot said.
The camera system on the helicopter can read license plates at a distance of more than 300 m, sending real-time images to the crime handling center of the Metropolitan Police Department.
The helicopter of the US Capitol Police Department was deployed above the White House on January 19
“The helicopter allows us the opportunity to really see what’s going on across the city, especially in large crowds,” CBS News quoted Metropolitan Police Department Director Pamela Smith as saying.
Ms. Smith said the police force is on high alert against the risk of “lone wolf” attacks, or those imitating terrorist acts.
Security forces set up many protective rings around the White House
While the official events of Mr. Trump’s inauguration took place indoors, the Capitol Police Department remained prepared in case of protests outside protected locations.
Eight years ago, hundreds of people were arrested while participating in protests against Mr. Trump during his first inauguration in 2017.
Ms. Smith said she had increased the number of police patrolling high-risk areas, and security work for the capital received support from national guard forces in other US states.
The place where Mr. Trump’s swearing-in ceremony will take place outside the Capitol
Mr. Trump’s supporters braved wind, snow and hail
Meanwhile, thousands of Trump supporters patiently waited in line for hours despite heavy hail and snowfall in Washington, DC, to attend his final rally before the inauguration.
Lines of supporters stretched through several city blocks, with soldiers guiding people in the right direction to Capital One, the capital’s 20,000-seat arena.
Temporary fences were erected in Washington DC during the inauguration
“I’m happy to be here to support (him),” AFP quoted Ms. Loren Stephenson (40 years old), wrapping the American flag tightly around her head to somewhat shield herself from the hailstones. “It was indeed a long day but overall everyone was in a very excited mood,” according to her.
Ms. Stephenson said she had been lining up since 6 a.m. on January 19 to ensure she could get inside the Capital One arena to witness Mr. Trump’s celebration moment.
A Trump supporter from Phoenixville (Pennsylvania) came to Washington DC
And Ms. Christina Overby, a 53-year-old office worker, is extremely looking forward to the moment Mr. Trump returns to the White House.
“He will help us get back on track,” AFP quoted Ms. Overby as saying, adding that she supports the decision to deport illegal immigrants, who she believes have deprived Americans like her family of opportunities. her family.
Mr. Trump and members of the Village People performance group at a rally at Capitol One arena on January 19
With the increasingly dense snow and rain, supporters wanted to get inside the arena as quickly as possible, especially when groups like Village People and Kid Rock performed on stage.
However, for Mrs. Overby, she did not come here to watch other people dance on stage.
“I want to see my president. That’s why I’m here,” she concluded.
Police stand guard inside a Washington DC metro station on January 19
