Newsroom

The 59th Presidential Inauguration this Wednesday January 20, 2021, will be unlike any other that preceded it. Last week’s horrific domestic terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol was unprecedented in our history as a democratic republic. Hate groups, including known white supremacist organizations, emboldened by the President and his enablers to seek "combat justice,” came to the District of Columbia, broke into the U.S. Capitol, and attempted to disrupt the Vice-President’s ceremonial reading of the electoral college results that were certified by the states last month. In a tremendous show of heroism, however, the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) entered the Capitol and helped the Capitol Police regain control of the hate-filled mob. Our MPD, led by Acting Police Chief Robert J. Contee III, courageously fought off the hate-filled mob and protected our country’s democracy. In doing so, MPD poignantly spoke for all D.C. residents who deserve full democracy in the form of statehood for the District of Columbia.

We at the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) are working closely with local and federal law enforcement partners to ensure lawbreakers, regardless of their position or title, are held accountable and brought to justice. Members of the public who have information about potential criminal activity should submit a tip to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and MPD.

• Submit a tip to the FBI by filling out a complaint online at FBI.gov/uscapitol.
• Submit a tip to MPD by calling (202) 727-9099 or texting 50411. 

Because these violent extremists, driven by misinformation and hate, have shown complete disregard for American values and the democratic process—the District has taken heightened security measures in advance of and during the inauguration. The District is therefore in a state of emergency until Friday, January 22.

To all District residents: please stay safe by staying home and staying away from downtown until the state of emergency has ended.

Karl A. Racine
Attorney General 

 Reporting Criminal Activity

If you witness any criminal activity you should report it as soon as possible. Report immediate threats or emergencies by calling 911. Report suspicious activity or behavior to MPD by:

• Calling (202) 727-9099.
• Visiting iwatchdc.org.
• Texting 50411.

Following D.C. Gun Laws

No firearms are allowed around the White House, the National Mall, the Tidal Basin or the U.S. Capitol – with or without a permit. Businesses that want to prohibit firearms on their properties are encouraged to clearly display signs that say, "weapons, including concealed firearms, are prohibited on these premises." If you see someone carrying a gun near the National Mall or on a premises where it is prohibited, call 911. 

Staying Away from Downtown

The District of Columbia has issued several significant street and transportation closures, including Metro, from January 15 through January 21, 2021. To the extent you are able, you are strongly encouraged to avoid travel into Downtown.

• For more information on metro rail closures, visit wmata.com.
• For more information on street closures, visit secretservice.gov.

Attending the Inauguration Virtually and Not In-Person

Due to heightened security measures and COVID-19, those interested in attending the Inauguration on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 are strongly urged to do so virtually, instead of in-person. 

Welcoming the President-elect and Vice President-elect

OAG welcomes President-Elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris and looks forward to working with them on issues impacting District residents, including our most vulnerable communities.