Secret Service designates Jan. 6 2025 a 'National Special Security Event'

With the upcoming election one of the most consequential in modern U.S. history, federal agencies are already taking precautions for the upcoming Electoral College vote to be held Jan. 6, 2025.

According to Fox News, the U.S. Secret Service announced this week that it will "ensure the safety and security" of the Electoral College vote by increasing security at the U.S. Capitol.

The aim is to get ahead of a potentially chaotic protest depending on the outcome of the election.

According to the agency, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser was behind the request for the heightened security at the Capitol for that day.

In a statement to Fox News, the Secret Service confirmed that Jan. 6, 2025, has been "designated a National Special Security Event by the Secretary of Homeland Security."

Issuing that designation allows the federal agency to ramp up the availability of local and state resources should it be required. The agency explained what it means in the statement to the outlet.

"This designation allows for significant resources from the federal government, as well as from state and local partners, to be utilized in a comprehensive security plan," USSS officials said in a statement.

The statement added, "When an event is designated a National Special Security Event, the U.S. Secret Service assumes its mandated role as the lead agency for the design and implementation of the operational security plan."

BREAKING: Secret Service declares Jan. 6, 2025, day of Certification of Electoral Votes, a 'National Special Security Event' pic.twitter.com/hP6DjhoGvz

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) September 12, 2024

"This marks the first time a National Special Security Event designation has been granted for a Certification of Electoral Votes and follows a request made by the DC Mayor to designate this event a National Special Security Event," the USSS statement read.

It noted that there have been calls for other government agencies to declare similar designations for the upcoming date.

"Various reports including from the House Select January 6 Committee and the Government Accountability Office also called for the DHS Secretary to consider a National Special Security Event designation for future Certification of Electoral Votes."

The formal planning process by "senior representatives from federal, state and local law enforcement and public safety partners," will soon convene, the report noted.

Only time will tell if the extra security will be needed.