DC police tighten security after New Orleans New Year's attack

Police in Washington on Wdnesday said they have upped security measures after the New Year's attacks in Las Vegas and New Orleans.  

“While there is no known threat to the District of Columbia, out of an abundance of caution, MPD has heightened its security posture across the city in light of recent events,” the Metropolitan Police Department posted on the social media platform X.  

The statement comes as the FBI is leading investigations into the two attacks. In New Orleans, a man drove a pickup truck through busy Bourbon Street, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens. In Las Vegas, a Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel, killing one person and injuring seven more.

The announcement of upped security also comes ahead of many major events that will happen in the nation’s capitol in January.  

Over the next few weeks, local authorities must be prepared for former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral procession, new House members arriving for the 119th Congress, the certification of the election and President-elect Trump’s inauguration.  

“As we approach upcoming major events in the District of Columbia, MPD will continue working with our local and federal partners to assess potential threats and make any necessary adjustments to safeguard the community,” the D.C. police said.  

While the Las Vegas Cybertruck explosion is thought to be an isolated incident, authorities have said the person who drove a pickup truck into a crowd in New Orleans was likely not working alone.