October 29, 2024
In coordination with federal agencies, the U.S. Capitol Police conducted a “Casualty Evacuation Exercise” Monday night at the U.S. Capitol, just over a week before Election Day. The training exercise involved emergency vehicles and helicopters, aimed at preparing Capitol Police and other federal agencies for emergency scenarios.
In a public notice, the U.S. Capitol Police informed residents and visitors, “This evening, the United States Capitol Police & our federal partners are conducting a routine training exercise on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. Please do not be alarmed if you see emergency vehicles and low-flying helicopters.”
This exercise comes shortly after a campus-wide evacuation drill on October 21, where Capitol Police tested evacuation procedures and temporarily closed streets around the Capitol. In a statement about the drill, Capitol Police shared, “At approximately 10:00 am, we will have a campus-wide evacuation exercise… Expect temporary street closures to include Constitution Avenue, Independence Avenue, and D Street, NE.”
Concerns from Conservative Leaders
The timing of these security exercises, so close to Election Day, has raised alarms among some conservative figures. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), in particular, issued a statement expressing her suspicions about the motivations behind these security measures, suggesting they may be intended to control the Capitol following the 2024 election results. Greene claimed Democrats are increasing security not to ensure public safety but as part of a plan to secure control over the Capitol on January 6, 2025—the date when Congress is set to certify the election results.
“Democrats are ramping up security measures in Washington, not to protect the people, but to further entrench their hold on the government should they lose seats in the House,” Greene told her supporters in a statement. Greene also cited recent actions by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who designated January 6th a “Special Security Event,” and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s request for additional security measures for the certification day. Greene highlighted the planned installation of fencing around the Capitol from January 5 to January 21 as another indication of the administration’s intent.
Greene argued that Democrats would use control over the House to block the certification of a Trump victory if Republicans regain the White House. In her statement, Greene urged her supporters to vote down-ballot for Republican candidates, emphasizing that winning control of the House, Senate, and presidency is crucial to advancing conservative policies.
Preparing for Election Security
The U.S. Capitol Police and other federal agencies regularly conduct training exercises, particularly before major events or heightened security situations. The upcoming election and concerns surrounding potential protests, regardless of the outcome, have prompted increased security planning to avoid incidents similar to those on January 6, 2021. While these exercises are routine, some see the timing as strategic.
Rising Concerns Over Election Security and Stability
According to Capitol Police, these exercises are part of a broader strategy to ensure security and preparedness for any contingency, though the specifics of potential security measures for January 2025 remain undisclosed. Republican leaders and conservative voters are watching closely, especially as border security, law enforcement policies, and control of Congress hang in the balance this election cycle.
Amidst these heightened security preparations, calls for Americans to participate in the voting process have intensified on both sides of the aisle. With issues like border control, inflation, and national security dominating campaign discussions, the stakes in November’s election are high. Greene’s call to vote down-ballot aligns with Republican efforts to regain control of Congress and limit potential obstacles should Donald Trump return to the White House.
