DC mayor says domestic terrorism was not taken seriously enough as she fears attacks in city beyond federal enclave
Mayor Bowser argues city needs to adjust its posture toward terrorist threats
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The mayor of the District of Columbia says that the domestic terrorism was not taken seriously enough in the past and a different approach is now needed.
In light of the assault on the US Capitol by pro-Trump rioters on 6 January, overwhelming security measures have been rolled out across downtown Washington, DC ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.
In an appearance on NBC’s Meet The Press, Mayor Muriel Bowser said that while restrictions on the inauguration were long-expected given the coronavirus pandemic, the heightened security presence was justified by the events of 6 January.
With fortress-like conditions around the National Mall and the seats of the three branches of government, the mayor acknowledged her concern for softer targets in other parts of the city, and the wider threat across the country.
“I’m also concerned about other parts of Washington, DC. What you’re showing is really the federal enclave of Washington, DC, not where the 700,000 of us live,” she said. “So our police department, working with our federal law enforcement partners, and the United States Army quite frankly, also has a plan to pivot if we have any attacks in our neighbourhoods.”
Host Chuck Todd asked the mayor how long DC residents would be living in conditions that feel like “an armed camp”, adding that threats to the city will not go away after 20 January.
Mayor Bowser responded that the bigger question is how seriously the country takes the threat of domestic white extremism.
“What we saw here last week is that we didn’t take it seriously enough. We never believed that so-called patriots would attempt to overthrow their government and kill police officers, but that’s exactly what happened,” she said.
“I do think we have to take another posture in our city that is more domestic terrorist focussed than external to our country, and act accordingly.”
The mayor added that while she does not want to see fences and armed troops on the streets, a different approach is needed to security.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments