Two weeks after the White House launched America’s 250th birthday celebrations with a UFC fight on the South Lawn—an event where a thwarted drone-and-sniper plot was uncovered—federal and local law enforcement are now tasked with securing a complex July Fourth holiday in Washington, D.C. Details for the celebration are still being finalized, creating logistical challenges across agencies, multiple officials told CNN.
With just days to go before the holiday, planners released a schedule including hourly fly-overs starting in the afternoon and an evening program culminating in a speech from President Trump and a fireworks show. The timing of both has shifted in recent days. Earlier this week, the lack of a firm schedule caused headaches for security officials managing Trump’s protection as they worked to form a comprehensive plan. However, sources said the infrastructure allows for flexibility to accommodate last-minute changes.
Even the timing of Trump’s speech was uncertain until planners reversed course after D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the large fireworks show would not start until 11 p.m. on July Fourth. Trump’s speech has since been moved earlier, along with the fireworks display.
Security on the Fourth
Despite ongoing concerns about another attempt on Trump’s life and the ever-present threat of lone-wolf attacks, Washington, D.C., is well prepared to secure large-scale events, several officials involved in the planning told CNN. Federal agencies will also help protect July Fourth celebrations in Boston, California, Pennsylvania, and New York.
FBI Director Kash Patel reiterated Wednesday that there is no credible threat against any of the nation’s July Fourth events, including in D.C. However, a federal law enforcement bulletin shared with police agencies warned that “events of national and historical significance could be appealing targets for a range of threat actors, due to both the large crowds they draw and their symbolic importance.”
“D.C. is kind of a unique animal when it comes to large-scale security,” one federal law enforcement official involved in the planning said. “Everybody here already knows how to do these. From the State of the Union address, inaugurations, and presidential funerals—these are regular events that happen here.”
That security was recently tested when a man armed with a shotgun attempted to assassinate Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The suspect was able to rush through Secret Service security, shooting one officer before being detained.
The Secret Service, along with the FBI, Metropolitan Police, and other agencies, will manage security for Trump’s airshow, the ongoing “Great American State Fair” on the National Mall, and a 45-minute, $850,000 fireworks show.
World Cup Strains Resources
Federal law enforcement agencies have been stretched thin this month, providing physical and digital security, anti-drone systems, bomb squads, and other resources across cities hosting this year’s World Cup. Two federal officials told CNN that these deployments have delayed responses to bomb threats and other emergencies nationwide. In one instance, bomb technicians were unable to respond to a suspicious package outside an ICE office because they were deployed to the World Cup. The package was later deemed safe.
While the number of World Cup matches will decrease as the tournament progresses, assets will remain deployed to protect foreign dignitaries, matches, and America’s birthday celebrations.
Securing Trump
Trump has come close to harm multiple times in recent years. Most recently, Secret Service officers struggled to stop a man with a loaded shotgun from rushing the press dinner. Security for Trump’s speech earlier this month was notably heightened, with bulletproof glass, visual barriers, and a shorter motorcade-to-stage distance. These measures are expected to be even more extensive on July Fourth, one law enforcement official said.
Washington, D.C., has the most restricted airspace in the U.S. and is perhaps the best-prepared city for drone incursions due to the concentration of anti-drone technology at the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and Secret Service. “Something could still happen,” one federal official said. “But I think of all places to have that happen, D.C. is probably better prepared than any place else.”
While the threat of drones continues to grow, the U.S. has yet to see a large-scale drone attack. In the White House UFC fight case, the alleged plotters’ ability to execute any plan appeared limited. Eight people have been arrested, and indictments suggest the group’s planning was minimal. One defendant told officers he didn’t know how to build drones despite claiming otherwise.
Federal and local agencies will deploy drones and anti-drone technology during the holiday, including jamming technology for basic hobby drones. However, experts warn that drones using different systems can be purchased for as little as $500 and cannot be jammed with current technology. For those, agencies use nets, their own drones, or projectiles. D.C.’s closely watched airspace will be heavily monitored by multiple agencies during the airshow and security measures.
