Massive Security Measures in Place for Dual-Celebration Military Parade in Washington

WASHINGTON — As the nation’s capital recovers from World Pride, attention turns to a significant upcoming event: Saturday’s military parade celebrating the Army’s 250th birthday and President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.

“We’re preparing for an enormous turnout,” said Matt McCool of the Secret Service’s Washington Field office. Over 18 miles of anti-scale fencing and multiple drones will be deployed. Army officials estimate around 200,000 attendees, with McCool anticipating “hundreds of thousands” of people.

“We have a ton of magnetometers,” McCool noted. “If a million people show up, then we’re going to have some lines.” A total of 175 magnetometers will be used at security checkpoints for the daytime festival and nighttime parade. Metropolitan Police Department chief Pamela Smith warned of “major impacts to traffic” and urged attendees to use the Metro.

The parade, designated a National Special Security Event, requires high-level coordination among D.C. officials, the FBI, Capitol Police, and the National Guard, with the Secret Service leading. The event, initially planned as an Army birthday celebration, was expanded by Trump to include a military parade with M1 Abrams tanks and Paladin howitzers.

Multiple counter-protests are planned, including the No Kings rally. Officials are also monitoring potential immigration-related clashes from Los Angeles. “We have a robust plan for civil disobedience,” McCool assured. FBI agent Phillip Bates reported “no credible threats” at the moment.

Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Lindsey Appiah noted the city’s flexibility in handling such changes. For more details, visit www.nsse.dc.gov.