Maryland News

Washington Monument, Other Attractions Along DC's National Mall Closed Due To 'Credible Threats' Ahead Of Inauguration

January 11, 2021 / 9:51 PM EST / CBS Baltimore

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (WJZ) -- Several Washington DC attractions along the National Mall, including tours of Washington Monument, are temporarily closed due "to credible threats to visitors and park resources" ahead of the President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.

"Groups involved in the January 6, 2021 riots at the US Capitol continue to threaten to disrupt the 59th presidential inauguration on January 20, 2021," Superintendent Jeffrey P. Reinbold of the National Mall and Memorial Parks said in an alert. "This includes the set up and execution of inaugural events, which occur in several park areas."

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 11: A National Parks Police vehicle sits near the Washington Monument on January 11, 2021 in Washington, DC. The National Parks Service stated that the Monument will be closed down at least through January 24, due to threats from the groups involved in the violence at the U.S. Capitol on January 6. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)

The National Park Services is suspending tours of the Washington Monument beginning Jan. 22 through Jan. 24. NPS may also temporarily close public access to roadways, parking area and restrooms within the National Mall area to "public safety and park resources."

CRISIS AT THE CAPITOL:

The National Mall has been a part of presidential inaugurations for over 2 centuries. Each one was different, but all embody the democratic transfer of power. Due to the pandemic, the 2021 inauguration will have to meet unique challenges. Get updates: https://t.co/O4TJABnXtw pic.twitter.com/nSybC6jyLq
— National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) January 9, 2021

NPS is also limiting athletic activities and previous closed public access to Ford's Theatre National Historic Site, Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument and Old Post Office Tower are already in effect in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on Nov. 23, 2020.

A number of concession stands remain closed along the Mall including food and beverage kiosks located at Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Constitution Gardens, and on the Mall at the National Museum of Natural History and the Carousel (near the Smithsonian Castle), East Potomac Golf Course clubhouse (including restrooms) and the Tidal Basin Paddle Boats.

They America's National Parks retail stores are open at Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument.

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 27: The Washington Monument is seen at the end the frozen Reflecting Pool as the sun rises on December 27, 2020 in Washington, DC. Millions of Americans lost unemployment benefits today, which they were depending on for support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. President Donald Trump has yet to sign the stimulus relief bill that was passed by overwhelming majorities in the House and Senate last week. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

Local, state and federal police agencies are amping up security along the National Mall after a mob of pro-Trump supported stormed the U.S. Capitol last week. A 7-foot-tall non-scalable fence currently surrounds the U.S. Capitol and is expected to remain for a month.

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