Washington Monument |  |
The following Incident Reports were extracted from the NPS Morning Reports/Coalition Reports from 1989-current. They are not a complete record of all incidents which occurred in this park during this timeframe. INCIDENTS | |
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Tuesday, April 22, 1986 An unidentified male sounding subject called U.S. Park Police Communications on one of their recorded emergency lines. The caller stated — "We blow up all mother f***ing monuments pretty soon." The caller then hung up. Personnel were dispatched along with bomb detection dogs to the following locations: Jefferson Memorial Visitors were evacuated from each of the above mentioned areas until a thorough search was made and it was determined that the area was safe. All areas were re-opened to visitors as of 10:24 AM
Park Police officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the wound of two men on the east slope of the Washington Monument during the fireworks display on July 4th. The two men were shot with a small caliber handgun by an unknown assailant who was part of a group of six to eight youths engaging visitors in the area in verbal altercations. No arrests have yet been made. (Dave Blackburn, LES, NCRO via CompuServe message to RAD/WASO).
The monument was closed for about 30 minutes on September 10th when five Cuban nationals handcuffed, themselves to a railing at the 400-foot level of the monument. The demonstrators, who identified themselves as members of a. group known as the Thirtieth of November, left voluntarily and were taken in by Park Police officers for questioning. They were not charged. According to a news release which they distributed, the group was protesting the "massacre" of hundreds of young Cubans by Fidel Castro 17 years ago and continued human-rights violations in Cuba. (Philadelphia Inquirer, 9/11/89).
Just after noon on May 2nd, Park Police dispatch received an anonymous call stating that a bomb would detonate in the Washington Monument within 15 minutes. The monument and surrounding area were evacuated and a search was conducted by Park Police dog teams. No bomb was found, and the monument was subsequently reopened. [Bill Lynch, NCRO, 5/3]
On Monday, May 15th, a free lunchtime concert on monument grounds ended when unruly fans climbed onto the stage and the performing band, the Cranberries, refused to continue. When the sponsor told the crowd of about 10,000 that the concert had been cancelled, many of those in attendance began to pelt Park Police officers with rocks and bottles. Additional officers were sent to the scene and the crowd was disbursed. Several officers and rangers sustained minor injuries; one arrest was made. [Bill Lynch, Acting RLES, NCRO, 5/17]
The annual Fourth of July celebration on the National Mall was attended by over 400,000 visitors. Almost 75,000 gathered to listen to the National Symphony concert on the grounds of the Capitol (the event was supported by NPS rangers and maintenance personnel), and many others crowded the Washington Monument grounds for the "American Roots" concert at Sylvan Theater. Fireworks concluded the day's events. Three visitors were injured by lightning during an afternoon storm; all were taken to area hospitals, treated and released. Another 30 or so people were taken to hospitals for other relatively minor injuries. A 28-year-old woman died from a heart attack on Washington Monument grounds during the fireworks despite efforts to revive her. Park Police officers arrested twelve people for minor offenses. Emergency medical support was coordinated through Mall operations and contracted with a local first aid squad. Maintenance employee reported picking up 40 tons of trash after the park was cleared of visitors. [Anthony Mangelli, PR, National Mall]
On Thursday, July 13th, the monument was closed for the first time in its history due to the failure of its air conditioning. Temperatures at the 500 foot level reached 98 degrees by 11:30 a.m. Temperatures soon exceeded 100 degrees. The monument will remain closed until the heat wave subsides and/or the air conditioning is repaired. [Erin Broadbent, NAMA]
The elevator in the monument malfunctioned just after noon on November 20th, trapping 28 people in the shaft for nearly 30 minutes. Repair crews maneuvered the disabled car to the 280-foot level, where all passengers disembarked and walked down the steps to the base of the monument. No injuries were reported. The monument was closed. [Bill Lynch, LES, NCAO]
On Saturday, October 4th, Promise Keepers held an event entitled "Stand in the Gap" on the National Mall. The event, which began at noon and concluded at 6 p.m., was attended by about 500,000 people. Over a thousand people received medical treatment during the day, the majority for heat-related illnesses. Senator Strom Thurmond experienced heat exhaustion, and was treated on scene and transported to Walter Reed Hospital. About 220 missing children were reported; by the end of the day, all had been reunited with their parents or guardians. Four arrests for vending were made. The elevator in the Washington Monument malfunctioned during the afternoon, temporarily trapping about 25 visitors in the shaft for 30 minutes. Rangers and USPP officers were eventually able to wedge the door open, and the occupants walked down to the ground level. Due to prior planning and interagency cooperation with the city government and other law enforcement agencies, no significant incidents were reported. [Bill Lynch, RLES, NCRO, 10/6]
L.T., 60, of Bedford, Indiana, fired at least two rounds from a 12- gauge shotgun toward the Washington Monument late yesterday morning. No one was injured, but one of the blasts struck and damaged a sign on monument grounds. L.T. was taken into custody without incident by Park Police officers and charged with weapons violations and destruction of government property. A rifle was also discovered in his vehicle. L.T. was taken to St. Elizabeth's Hospital for mental evaluation and later released to police custody. [Bill Lynch, RLES, NCRO, 10/8]
On the afternoon of Friday, January 2nd, an unidentified caller telephoned the Washington Monument and told staff there that he was going to blow up the structure. The monument was evacuated, then searched by USPP officers and members of an EOD (emergency ordnance disposal) team. No bomb was found. The monument was reopened to the public about 90 minutes after the call was received. [Bill Lynch, RLES, NCRO, 1/5]
On Thursday, May 28th, a man - subsequently identified as one N.G. - drove his vehicle recklessly and at a high rate of speed to the base of the Washington Monument, endangering pedestrians in the process. He got out of his vehicle, dropped to his knees, waved his arms, then started to undress. Ranger Ambrose stopped him from disrobing. N.G. said that his wife was trying to kill him. He was taken into custody by Park Police officers and transported to a hospital. The vehicle was checked and cleared by dogs and an EOD unit. [Henry Berberich, RLES, NCRO, 6/1]
One or more persons spray painted the north side of the Washington Monument with three-foot-high letters on or about July 20th. The letters L E S T were sprayed on in a light silver paint and spanned six feet from left to right. A can of spray paint was recovered at the scene and submitted for lab processing. [Henry Berberich, RLES, NCRO, 7/21]
When the head of state from Moldova's plane lifted off from Dulles International Airport just before 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27th, the Park Police's involvement in the NATO 50th summit officially ended. This event, which was the largest gathering of heads of state or heads of government ever in the United States (and possibly the world), concluded without any significant incidents occurring. The three-day event required months of planning and several hundred meetings between the Secret Service, FBI, Park Police, State Department, Metropolitan Police, National Park Service and many other agencies. The Park Police were fully committed. Among other things, this commitment included placing normal street operations on twelve-hour shifts and detailing 31 officers to D.C. from the New York field office. Approximately 320 officers were assigned to the events each day. These officers participated in over 2,000 individual escorts of the 48 people designated for special protection. Officers also provided security in park areas throughout the city. This included the closure of the Federal Triangle area, the White House sidewalk and the majority of Lafayette Park for three full days. Several significant demonstrations were handled in Lafayette Park and on the Ellipse, the grounds of the Washington Monument, and the Mall - all without incident. The only NATO-related arrest occurred on Friday when a long-time demonstrator in Lafayette Park refused to leave the secure area and was subsequently arrested. Extensive planning prior to the event and the strong law enforcement presence throughout the period likely prevented any problems from occurring. [Robert Maclean, USPP, 4/29]
Park Police officers stopped a vehicle near the Washington Monument for an illegal turn on June 28th and found that the driver's license was suspended. The driver attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended after a short chase. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of about 10 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $43,000. [Sgt. Robert MacLean, USPP, 6/29]
The following updates have been received from parks affected by Hurricane Floyd (from north to south, more or less): o Washington Monument (DC) - The monument was closed yesterday due to anticipated high winds and possible lightning. Rangers also found that the weather had increased water leakage already found in the monument around the 500-foot observation level - leaks targeted for repair but not yet fixed. It will likely reopen today. [Ken Garvin and Daryl Rhodes, SERO, 9/16; Jim Burnett, CR, COLO, 9/16; Earle Kittleman, PAO, NCRO, 9/16; Robert Hickman, Superintendent, PRWI, 9/16; Norm Williams, CM, TIMU/FOCA, 9/16; Brian Peters, CR, CUIS, 9/16; Jim Zahradka, DR, CALO, 9/16; LES, CAHA, 9/16; Chris Revels, KIMO, 9/16; John Breen, Superintendent, FOPU, 9/16; Dispatch, DEWA, 9/17; Greg Stiles, Ken Johnson, SHEN, 9/16; Kevin FitzGerald, CR, CACO, 9/16; John Tucker, Superintendent, FOSU/CHPI, 9/16; Jose Rosario, CR, GATE, 9/16; Rosemary Williams, CANA, 9/16; Rick Nolan, CR, FOMC, 9/17; Tim Mauch, SPR, RICH, 9/17]
On September 4th, the Coalition to Stop Primate Experimentation conducted a permitted demonstration in front of the Washington Monument. During the event, three members of the group climbed about 90 feet up the scaffolding surrounding the monument, a secure area because of renovation work currently underway. They reached the scaffolding by climbing over a fence around the site. Several Park Police officers pursued them. One member of the trio tried to secure his neck to the scaffolding with a bicycle lock, but was unsuccessful; the remaining pair handcuffed themselves to the framework and attempted to attach a banner to the scaffolding. All three resisted arrest and put themselves and the officers in great danger. The arrests were nonetheless made without injury. The three were charged with unlawful entry and resisting arrest. [Sgt. R. MacLean, USPP, NCR, 9/20]
Park Police officer Ernest Patrick was dispatched to a two-car accident on Constitution Avenue near the Washington Monument on August 14th. He arrived on scene in his cruiser just as officer Robert Louden arrived on his mountain bike. Louden saw a man squatting behind a nearby trash can, evidently attempting to conceal himself from Patrick. When he saw Louden approaching, he discarded a box in the trash can and started to walk away. The officers detained him and determined that he was the operator of one of the vehicles involved in the accident. The box contained a fully-loaded .38 caliber revolver; the vehicle was found to be stolen. The driver and his passenger were arrested. [Sgt. R. MacLean, USPP, NCR, 8/23]
Additional reports have been received regarding the National Park Service response to Tuesday's terrorist attacks. Those reports appear below. Secretary Norton yesterday issued this press release regarding the reopening of National Park Service areas in Washington and elsewhere in the United States: "Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton today announced that the monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C., have been reopened to the public. "'We are all saddened and horrified by the magnitude of the tragedy our nation has experienced. Our focus remains on the safety of our visitors and our employees. We must remain vigilant as we provide the American people access to our nation's monuments, memorials and parks for the solace and inspiration they provide,' Secretary Norton said. 'The Washington, D.C., National Park sites are a special inspiration to the freedoms all Americans hold so precious.' "The Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorials reopened to the public at approximately 11:30 a.m. The sites had been closed yesterday after the tragedy at the Pentagon to ensure the safety of the American public, park staff, and the monuments and memorials. The Washington Monument, which has been closed for several months due to ongoing restoration work, remains closed. "National Park sites throughout the nation reopened today and have resumed normal business activities. Secretary Norton and National Park Service Director Fran Mainella have asked superintendents at each of the 384 sites to use their discretion in determining whether to limit or augment personnel and operations in sites where such measures are deemed appropriate. "At National Park sites in Manhattan and the New York City area, operations are more limited, and most of the sites in Manhattan are closed today. At Federal Hall on Wall Street, a water tower on the roof collapsed last evening. Gateway National Recreation Area is open except for areas where the New York Police Department is staging operations. "Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, two of the nation's greatest symbols of freedom, have reopened today as well. "'We encourage everyone to draw inspiration from our greatest national treasures, and let them serve as reminders that this nation will endure and prosper,' Secretary Norton concluded. Please also see Secretary Norton's memorandum to all employees under "Memoranda" below. Other reports from around the agency follow: o Washington Office (DC) - The National Park Service's national all-risk Type 1 team will begin operations in Washington sometime this morning. The director is about to sign a delegation of authority to the team; the text of that delegation will appear in this afternoon's edition or tomorrow. o USPP/New York Field Office (NY) - All available personnel were called in for duty following the crash of the two planes into the World Trade Center. Four USPP vessels were sent to secure the waters around the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and to assist in medevacs of injured people from the area. Officers were sent to Federal Hall to assist with the securing and protection of that building; others were assigned to Ellis Island to assist with the set-up of a triage center. About 275 people were treated there; of these, about 60 were transported and admitted to local hospitals. The Statue of Liberty was evacuated. Officers were also assigned to the gates of Floyd Bennett Field, Fort Tilden, and Fort Wadsworth and to close those areas to the public. Rangers from Fire Island NS assisted USPP with two vessels and personnel. [Lt. John Lauro, USPP, NYFO, 9/12; Gregory Smith, CR, MORR, 9/12; Norah Martinez, CR, CANA, 9/12; MORU, 9/12; Dennis Burnett, RAD/WASO, 9/13; Betty Knight, ARO, 9/12]
Further updates have been received on the status of NPS areas and/or staff responses to Tuesday's terrorist attacks: o Washington Monument (DC) - The top of the monument has been closed to visitors due to pre-scheduled maintenance to elevators. Areas adjacent to the monument are open. Other closures and operations are essentially as noted yesterday. [Russ Wilson, GATE/SHU, 9/12; Clayton Jordan, IC, Type 3 IMT, SHEN, 9/13; Karl Merchant, Plans, Type 2 IMT, NERO, 9/13]
On Saturday, October 25th, tens of thousands of demonstrators arrived
on the Washington Monument grounds for an organized protest against the
U.S. occupation of Iraq. The demonstration was organized by the group
A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism). U.S. Park Police and
NPS officials met with the organizers for months ahead of time, planning
for the big event. Days off and leave were cancelled for USPP officers
and the department had everyone on duty. There were minor conflicts
between demonstrators and smaller groups in support of the troops, but
there were no arrests. The Park Police credit prior planning with
organizers and the total force commitment to the success in maintaining
a balance between First Amendment rights and visitor access to sites on
the National Mall.
The Park Police are investigating a bomb threat to the Washington Monument that was called in around 2:30 p.m. last Friday afternoon to Washington Metropolitan Police. Park Police quickly closed the monument and surrounding grounds, which were then thoroughly checked by Park Police and Metro Transit Police search dogs. The area was deemed safe at about 4:15 p.m. and reopened to the public. [Lt. Roxanne Brown-Ankney, USPP]
Five men ranging in age from 16 to 22 years old have been arrested and charged in connection with a series of armed robberies and sexual assaults that occurred on the National Mall last May and July. The five were taken into custody by USPP officers following an intensive investigation conducted by the Park Police and the U.S. Attorney's Office, with assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Secret Service, the FBI, Prince George's County PD, Metro Transit PD and Metropolitan PD. Another three individuals have also been arrested in connection with the use of credit cards stolen during the robberies. The following five incidents occurred on the Mall: May 25, 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. - A couple walking on the Mall were approached by three young men, one armed with a gun. They were ordered to the ground at gunpoint and searched for money and valuables. Items taken from them included cash, a cell phone, and a wallet containing credit and ATM cards. One of the men committed a forceful sexual touching of the woman. May 25, immediately after the above - The men approached another couple on the Mall and were also ordered to the ground and robbed of similar items. As in the first incident, one of them committed a forceful sexual touching of the woman. She was also kicked in the head by one of the men when she resisted. May 27, 11 p.m. to midnight - A man and woman walking together on the Mall were approached by three young men, one armed with a gun. A jacket, wallet, cash and credit cards were taken from the man and his pants pockets were searched. Items and cash were also taken from the woman, who was then taken by the armed man to a grassy are of the Mall, where he raped her at gunpoint, then forced her to commit oral sodomy on him and a second man. The latter punched and kicked the man before joining the sexual assault. July 11, about 10 p.m. - Two women were approached by two young men and robbed of their cell phones and cash on the grounds of the Washington Monument. During the robbery, one of the men committed a forceful sexual touching of one of the women. July 11, 10 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. - A family of four - two adults with their two children, ages 9 and 15 - were walking on the Mall near the Washington Monument when they were approached by two men, one armed with a gun. They were forced to the ground at gunpoint, then robbed of cash and a camera. Working methodically and following leads arising from an analysis of records from the stolen credit cards and a cell phone, interviews with witnesses, and the execution of more than a dozen search warrants, investigators identified and arrested the five men. A variety of assault and robbery charges have been filed against them. Three other men, ranging in age from 19 to 24, have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit theft in the first degree in connection with the use of some of the stolen credit cards. In announcing the arrests and charges against these defendants, U.S. attorney Kenneth Wainstein and USPP chief Dwight Pettiford commended the outstanding work of all members of law enforcement who worked tirelessly to close this investigation, particularly, lead detective Todd Reid of the U.S. Park Police and the outstanding team of detectives, along with David Knoedler of the U.S. Secret Service, Marty Flynn of the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Criminal Investigative Unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office, particularly, John Marsh and Larry Grasso. They also commended assistant U.S. attorneys Elana Tyrangiel and Dan Zachem. [Channing Phillips, Public Affairs, Department of Justice]
On Saturday, April 19th, the United States Park Police handled a permitted demonstration by the National Socialist Movement. The group earlier secured a special use permit to exercise their First Amendment rights, with plans to assemble on the grounds of the Washington Monument, then march to the United States Capitol for a rally. Counter demonstrations were expected and a security plan was developed to minimize the possibility of violence between the permitted group and any counter groups. The Park Police coordinated extensively with the Metropolitan Police and the United States Capitol Police, since the event crossed jurisdictional lines. Prior to the arrival of the main group, a large group of counter demonstrators arrived on the grounds of the Washington Monument wearing masks and attracting considerable attention. The group spotted two members of the National Socialist Movement and began verbally and physically assaulting them. Park Police officers responded and escorted the pair out of the area after the counter demonstrators surrounded and assaulted members of the Park Police with pepper spray. One counter demonstrator struck an officer across the back with a pole while he was attempting to arrest one of the assaulting counter demonstrators. A total of six arrests were made, with charges filed against them for assaulting police officers and weapons violations. Members of the main group arrived later on an escorted bus and began their march. The Park Police Horse Mounted Unit provided considerable assistance in protecting the marchers while en route to the Capitol. [Sergeant Robert Lachance, Public Affairs Officer]
Reports have been received from parks along the Eastern seaboard regarding this past weekend's passage of Tropical Storm Hanna, which brought only modest winds but heavy rains: National Mall & Memorial Park - The section of 17th Street between the WW II Memorial and the Washington Monument and Ohio Drive in front of the golf course was closed due to flooding. [Wouter Ketel, CALO; Don Boucher, NRCO; Saudia Muwwakkil, SERO]
On Monday, November 10th, three people were found guilty in DC Superior Court on a variety of charges stemming from a demonstration last spring and sentenced to incarceration, probation and court costs. On Saturday, April 19th, the Park Police handled a permitted demonstration on the Mall by the National Socialist Movement. The group had secured a special use permit to exercise their First Amendment rights. They planned to assemble on the grounds of the Washington Monument, then march to the Capitol for a rally. Counter-demonstrations were expected and a security plan was developed to minimize the possibility of violence between the permitted group and any counter groups. The Park Police coordinated extensively with the Metropolitan Police and the United States Capitol Police, since the event crossed jurisdictional lines. Prior to the arrival of the main group, a large group of counter-demonstrators arrived on the grounds of the Washington Monument wearing masks and attracting considerable attention. The group spotted two members of the permitted group and began verbally and physically assaulting them. Park Police officers responded to escort the two out of the area, at which point the counter-demonstrators surrounded the officers, then assaulted them with pepper spray. One counter-demonstrator also struck an officer across the back with a pole while he was attempting to arrest another of the counter-demonstrators. A total of six arrests were made, with charges of assaulting police officers and weapons offenses filed against them. Convicted were the following trio: M.B. was found guilty of two counts of assaulting an officer and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon (pepper spray). He was sentenced to 180 days in jail, with all but ten suspended on each charge (concurrent), a total of five years' supervised probation (consecutive), and court costs. J.R. was found guilty of assaulting a police officer, simple assault and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon (pepper spray). His sentence was identical to M.B.'s. S.V. was found guilty of assaulting an officer and attempted possession of a prohibited weapons (a piece of wood). She was sentenced to 180 days in jail, with all but 20 suspended, a total of 10 months supervised probation (concurrent), and court costs. [Sgt. Rob Lachance, US Park Police]
Up to five inches of snow and wind gusts as high as 40 m.p.h. forced the temporary closure of the Washington Monument to visitors for safety reasons yesterday. Maintenance staff removed the U.S. flags from the "circle of flags" surrounding the monument in order to help extend the life of the flags, as the high winds rip and tear them. By mid-afternoon, the winds calmed down, making it possible to reopen the monument to visitors. [Bill Line, NCRO]
The 5.8-magnitude quake that shook most of the East Coast from Georgia to Massachusetts rattled scores of NPS offices and park facilities and led to some closures in Washington. The following reports have been received: Washington Parks - The Washington Monument was closed following the quake in order to properly evaluate the structure. An inspection revealed some cracking in the stones at the top of the monument. Structural engineers will evaluate the cracks today to determine the best way to make repairs before reopening the monument. The Washington Monument grounds have been reopened except for an area about 100 feet outside of the plaza. The Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials were closed for a short period of time as a precaution, but reopened to the public yesterday evening. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Memorial remain open. The Old Post Office Tower will open this morning at 9 a.m. Additional reports will be posted as they are received. [David Barna, WASO; P. Daniel Smith, COLO; Dave Ruth, RICH; Keith Kelly, FRSP; Bill Line, Toni Braxton and Carol Johnson, NCRO; Sgt. David Schlosser, USPP]
Articles and reports on coronavirus-related actions in the parks and NPS offices are beginning to come in, although only a few sites have made public statements, usually brief. The best overview to date has been by Kurt Repanshek in the March 15th edition of his National Parks Traveler. Rather than cite the few similar park press releases that have appeared, this first coronavirus report consists of excerpts from that article, with a link at bottom for more information: "Though a few more units of the National Park System were closing Sunday in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, and outwardly it was business as usual across the National Park System on Sunday, behind the scenes tensions were growing over the situation. The official list of closures Sunday included Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, Lands End Lookout, the Nike Missile site, Point Bonita Lighthouse, and the Muir Woods National Monument bookstore and entrance station at Golden Gate National Recreation Area; Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument, Ford's Theatre National Historic Site, the Old Post Office Tower, and the Washington Monument. On Monday the list was to expand to include the Presidio Visitor Center, the Marin Headlands Visitor Center, and Fort Point National Historic Site, all at Golden Gate." "National Park Service officials in Washington, D.C., continued to point to the statement that their Office of Public Health was continuing to monitor the situation and was in contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as to how to move forward... "However, park superintendents were said to be growing frustrated by the situation and lack of control they have over their operations. David Vela, the Park Service's deputy director who is its de facto director, told the superintendents that they don't have discretion to close facilities if they deem them to be a health hazard to visitors or employees. Guidelines sent out to superintendents from Washington stated that 'all operational changes in parks (cancellations and closures) must be made through the proper NPS leadership channels.' "Against those realities, messaging on how to deal with the public coming down from Park Service headquarters was embarrassing to some field staff. 'There is widespread anger and frustration,' the Traveler was told. 'I'm just speculating, but I think over the next several days there's going to be some revolts.' "Lacking so far from the headquarters 'is any systematic guidance. It's totally up to how far the superintendent wants to stick his or her neck out. It's just ridiculous. I have never been so appalled at the lack of leadership. And I'm blaming this on the politicos' in the Interior Department who are calling the shots.'" Sources: Kurt Repanshek, National Parks Traveler.
A 23-year-old Georgia man has pleaded guilty of planning to attack the White House, Statue of Liberty, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and other sites In March, 2018, a member of the Atlanta community reported that H.J.T. was planning the attacks as part of a desire to participate in a jihad. The FBI launched an undercover operation later that year and found that H.J.T.'s initial targets included the White House and the Statue of Liberty. H.J.T.'s plans subsequently added other prospective targets, included the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and a synagogue. During an undercover meeting with H.J.T. in January 2019, he described weapons and explosives he wanted to use in the attacks, including semi-automatic weapons, improvised explosive devices, an anti-tank weapon and hand grenades. Sentencing will take place this June. Source: Stefanie Dyga, Sinclair Broadcast Group.
The National Park Service has joined other federal agencies in taking steps to assure that the inaugural set for next Thursday is free from the kind of insurrectionist disruptions and violence seen last week at the Capitol. The Washington Monument will be closed through January 24th and other NPS facilities around D.C. will be temporarily closed due to "credible threats" from groups involved in the January 6th Capitol invasion. The park released a statement on Monday that said, in part: "[The] the National Mall and Memorial Parks is implementing temporary closures of National Park Service public facilities, parking areas and roadways in response to credible threats to visitors and park resources. 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. This includes the set up and execution of inaugural events, which occur in several park areas. In response, the National Park Service will suspend tours of the Washington Monument beginning January 11, 2021 through January 24, 2021 and may institute temporary closures of public access to roadways, parking areas and restrooms within the National Mall and Memorial Parks if conditions warrant, to protect public safety and park resources." D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser wrote a letter Sunday requesting that the United States Department of Homeland Security boost its security preparations for the January 20th presidential inauguration to ensure the safety of those involved in the event. She also asked that the Secretary of the Department of the Interior cancel any and all public gathering permits in D.C. and to deny any applications for public gathering permits between January 11th and January 24th. Last week, the NPS announced that protest applications for inauguration week are coming in and, by law, they can't be denied unless they pose a clear specific threat. Source: KOMO News.
"Federal agencies are taking drastic measures to keep employees safe with the looming threat of violence surrounding President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, including by hosting additional federal security personnel and even telling some workers to evacuate their homes," reports Government Executive. "Following the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol last week, federal offices in the Washington area and around the country are cautioning workers, many of whom are already working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to stay away, effective immediately." In an unprecedented move, the Mall and much of the surrounding area have already been closed to the public. Hundreds of thousands of spectators typically watch the ceremonies, but this year the Secret Service has launched a massive security operation to protect the Biden inauguration following this month's short-lived insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Vehicle traffic in much of the city will be prohibited or limited to residents and businesses only. Metro is shuttering stations in the city's core and near the Mall. Street closures will continue through Thursday, and are subject to change at the discretion of the Secret Service. Maps in the Washington Post (click here) provides further details on closures. As noted in last week's newsletter, the Washington Monument will be closed through January 24th and other NPS facilities around D.C. will be temporarily closed due to "credible threats" from groups involved in the January 6th Capitol invasion. The park released a statement on Monday that said, in part: "[The] the National Mall and Memorial Parks is implementing temporary closures of National Park Service public facilities, parking areas and roadways in response to credible threats to visitors and park resources. 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. This includes the set up and execution of inaugural events, which occur in several park areas. In response, the National Park Service will suspend tours of the Washington Monument beginning January 11, 2021 through January 24, 2021 and may institute temporary closures of public access to roadways, parking areas and restrooms within the National Mall and Memorial Parks if conditions warrant, to protect public safety and park resources." Sources: Lauren Tierney, Tim Meko, Hannah Dormido, Laris Karklis and Joe Fox, Washington Post; Eric Katz, Government Executive.
On August 15, the Washington Monument was struck by lightning, which damaged the electrical access system. It has been closed since then and is expected to be open again after parts arrive on August 26. There was no damage to the structure or elevator. Source: WTOP, National Park Service [Editor note: For those interested, there is a video screenshot of the Monument being struck in the WTOP article.] June 15, 2022 On June 11, a 21-year-old was arrested on the grounds of the monument for interfering with the March for our Lives, a permitted event. The individual was charged with Disorderly Conduct-Creating Fear and Disorderly Conduct-Disrupting a Gathering. The individual did not carry weapons and was deemed to not pose a larger threat to the public, and was released with a citation to appear in court. Source: U.S. Park Police
The NPS has placed fencing along 14th Street Northwest in response to food trucks blocking traffic and viewsheds at the park and creating noise issues for neighbors. ABC7 had recently publicized that the District of Columbia collects thousands of dollars in parking fines for food vendor-related incidents as vendors vie for best placement. Source: WJLA
On September 20, a 44-year-old individual was arrested and charged with trespassing, tampering, and vandalism in connection with vulgar, anti-government graffiti made in red paint on the west side of the monument. The clean-up was expected to take several days. The monument remained open, except for the area directly around the clean-up efforts. Source: The New York Times
On March 10, the Washington Monument closed due to predictions of wind gusts up to 55 miles per hour. The park stated that high winds do not threaten the monument itself, but are a danger to visitors standing in line. Source: The Hill | |