The Counting and Certification of Electoral Votes, scheduled for January 6, 2025, in Washington, D.C., has been classified as a National Special Security Event (NSSE) following a request by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. This is the first time in U.S. history that the NSSE designation has been granted for the certification of electoral votes. An NSSE designation ensures heightened security for events of significant national importance, similar to the State of the Union address, Fourth of July celebrations, and the Super Bowl. When an event is designated as an NSSE, the U.S. Secret Service assumes the role of lead federal agency responsible for developing and executing security operations. The agency’s Dignitary Protective Division leads the planning, coordinating with other law enforcement agencies on areas such as airspace security, training, communications, and credentialing. Bowser requested the upgraded security due to concerns over potential unrest, citing the events of January 6, 2021, when a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol. The goal is to prevent a repeat of such incidents during the 2025 certification process. “National Special Security Events are events of the highest national significance,” Eric Ranaghan, the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Dignitary Protective Division, said in a statement. “The U.S. Secret Service, in collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners are committed to developing and implementing a comprehensive and integrated security plan to ensure the safety and security of this event and its participants.” The Secret Service has already begun formal preparations by forming an Executive Steering Committee comprising senior members from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Security measures for NSSEs may include fencing, barricades, and K-9 teams, according to a fact sheet from the Congressional Research Service. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security pre-positions emergency response teams, including urban search and rescue units, nuclear incident response teams, and other specialized resources, to ensure readiness.The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has assigned the highest security designation available to the upcoming certification of the 2025 presidential election results.
