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Park Service May Shut National Mall Amid Inauguration Threats

Park Service May Shut National Mall Amid Inauguration Threats

The National Park Service is seriously considering shutting the entire National Mall for the inauguration of Joe Biden as extremists are threatening to disrupt the event, according to a person familiar with the agency’s thinking.

Earlier this week the Park Service announced it was shutting down tours of the Washington Monument until after Biden’s inauguration Jan. 20, citing “credible threats to visitors and park resources.”

The agency also said it would temporarily close other facilities, such as parking areas and roads, noting that the groups that breached the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 “continue to threaten to disrupt” the inauguration.

“No final decision has been made regarding closures on the National Mall for the inaugural events,” said Mike Litterst, a spokesman for the National Mall and Memorial Parks. “When a decision is reached, an announcement will be made by the United States Secret Service and/or National Park Service.”

The U.S. Secret Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The National Guard referred requests to the Justice Department and Secret Service.

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