Multiple local police departments around Washington, DC, are reportedly refusing to assist with security for Trump’s inauguration on Monday, as the swearing-in ceremony has been moved indoors.
Earlier today, President Trump announced that his ceremony will be held inside the Capitol Rotunda due to cold weather. However, concerns about his safety have also arisen following two recent assassination attempts.
Local police refusing to help follows an announcement last week by Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith, who stated that “nearly 4,000 officers from across the United States generously volunteered their time to assist the Metropolitan Police Department” during inaugural events.
However, several agencies in nearby Maryland, including police from Montgomery, Howard, and Queen Anne’s counties, have reportedly stated they will not assist.
The reason for their refusal is unclear, but it may be linked to internal disputes over Metro PD’s use-of-force policy. In a lawsuit settlement, DC police agreed to restrict the use of sting balls and explosive devices on protesters and rioters.
As reported by Daily Caller:
More than half a dozen local D.C.-area police departments will not be assisting the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) with security for the 2025 Presidential Inauguration, the Daily Caller has learned. The MPD has been lambasted by both progressives and conservatives for its methods of policing, and the department refused to answer several questions from the Caller.
The decision by these departments could leave MPD with hundreds fewer officers than they would typically be able to rely on for an event of this magnitude.
While MPD claimed thousands of officers will assist with security, several local departments told the Caller they will not be helping. Most were vague with their reasons for skipping this year’s inauguration, but one department confirmed in an email that it was because of a dispute over a memorandum of understanding (MOU), or agreement between departments, with MPD.
“I was just told that based on the current MOU, we will not be assisting Metro PD,” a spokesperson for the Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland told the Caller.
This is a developing story…
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