As elected officials and curious spectators flock to the nation's capital ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's swearing-in, law enforcement remains on alert for prolonged wolf attacks.
“Lone wolf actors are always very important to law enforcement officers trying to protect the people who attend these events,” said Sergeant Matthew Faziana, a former patrol commander with more than 25 years of law enforcement experience. he told FOX News Digital. “One of the reasons they're always a concern is that they can be very unpredictable and are driven by extremist ideology.”
The threat of a potential lone wolf actor grew after a machete-wielding suspect attempted to pass through a magnetometer and X-ray security screen while President Trump was paying tribute to former President Carter. Ta. The 44-year-old suspect was granted conditional pretrial release after a hearing days before Trump's inauguration.
“Our partners in the federal government tasked with intelligence gathering, those tasked with protecting the senior officials present on Monday, will know where this person is,” Faziana said. “He's not going to be out of sight, he's not going to go out of consciousness. And that's the same for anyone who makes a credible threat. They're going to make sure they know where that person is.”
Police arrested a man who tried to bring a machete and three knives into the Capitol just hours before Trump's arrival.
The sun rises behind the U.S. Capitol during a rehearsal on the Western Theater ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in Washington, DC. (AP Photo/John Elswick)
Faziana noted that in addition to Secret Service agents, there will be a number of additional law enforcement agencies, including the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department and state troopers from surrounding states.
He also revealed what law enforcement is looking for in lone actors who may raise red flags.
1. Abnormal body language:
Faziana said body language is key.
“Are they nervous? Are they fidgety or do they hang around in certain restricted areas for long periods of time?” he said. “Pacing is also one of the signs, and it's one of the behaviors that people who are nervous do unconsciously.”
2. Involuntary reactions:
Fagiana said law enforcement is trained to spot unusual reactions that can lead to the discovery of suspicious individuals.
“If someone is sweating profusely, it's January and it's very cold,” he said. “Again, this is one of the body's involuntary reactions that occur when you're under extreme stress.”
US Capitol machete suspect granted pretrial release days before Trump's inauguration
“They're monitoring all sorts of things with body language,” he says.
Republican President Ronald Reagan's inauguration in 1985. President Ronald Reagan also took the oath of office indoors. (CQ Roll Call, via Getty Images)
3. Be careful of unusual clothing:
Also pay attention to whether your clothes are appropriate for the season. he said. “For example, if you're defending the Fourth of July parade in the summer and someone shows up wearing heavy fabrics and lots of heavy coats, that person definitely deserves attention.”
Faziana noted that authorities will be helped by moving some events indoors, such as Trump's swearing-in ceremony being moved indoors due to record-low temperatures. At former President Ronald Reagan's second inauguration ceremony in 1985, a president took the oath of office for the first time in the Capitol Rotunda.
“Some of these events have been moved indoors, which will help protect authorities as it is a controlled environment,” he said.
“I want to pay particular attention to the inaugural parade,” he said. “Those events will attract thousands of eyes.”
Former President Donald Trump and former first lady Melania Trump walk the inaugural parade route down Pennsylvania Avenue ahead of their first term in office. President Trump is currently preparing for his second inauguration of the year on January 20, 2025, for which he is raising a record amount of money. (Evan Vucci, USA Today Network) (Evan Vucci/USA Today Network)
Tips to assist law enforcement:
Practice situational awareness:
Faziana said the public's cooperation is important in reporting unusual behavior to the police, stressing the need for situational awareness.
“The reality is that no matter where you are in the world today, you have to have proper situational awareness,” he said. “Unfortunately, we have learned through many events over the past few decades that unforeseen events can happen anytime, anywhere, in any city.”
“People need to put their phones away and look around and see what's going on,” he says. “Know who is around you. Having situational awareness is important for the general public because if you notice these things you can speak to a police officer who can investigate the matter if necessary. .”
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He encouraged people to “trust their instincts” and share their concerns with nearby police officers if something seems unusual.
“I think all law enforcement agencies would appreciate that,” he said. “I think that applies everywhere. It's a good habit to have, not just at the inauguration on Monday, but in everyday life and when you're in public.”
Preparations are underway for President Donald Trump's inauguration. (Related news organizations)
How the public can help:
The U.S. Capitol Police Department has released a list of items prohibited on the Capitol grounds on January 20th. The list of 50 items included bicycles, umbrellas and liquids. Read the entire list here.
“We understand that ordinary people can inadvertently bring things that they probably shouldn't have. Someone might bring an umbrella just because it's normal, and someone might bring something clearly. You might bring a bag that’s not,” he said. Buffer zone, police will prevent passage [to the main event]. ”
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“This gives law enforcement time to intercept the item,” he said. “We don't want those types of items coming near protected areas.”
