Arlington National Cemetery is enforcing additional security measures as a precaution after the United States killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani.
Citing “current conditions,” the cemetery said it would check government-issued photo IDs of every visitor older than 18 years old. Visitors who are 16 and 17 years old can show a school-issued identification card.
Due to current conditions, Arlington National Cemetery is increasing its security posture and is implementing 100% ID checks at all entrances. #VisitANC 1/
— Arlington National Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) January 3, 2020
Update: until further notice, visitors 16 and 17 years old may present school issued identification for entry. Visitors 18+ years old must present a government issued ID. https://t.co/N127kyuGyy
— Arlington National Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) January 3, 2020
“We ask for your patience as this will create longer than usual delays. Cemetery officials are reminding all visitors to add a few extra minutes to their travel times when visiting the cemetery,” the cemetery said on Twitter.
Neither the Iranians nor the U.S. government have specified what locations the country could target or whether they would be on U.S. soil.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised “severe revenge” for his top general’s death. Soleimani, 62, was killed in Baghdad on Thursday night in a drone strike.
Chad Wolf, the acting Homeland Security secretary, said Friday he is so far not aware of any “specific” or “credible” threats on U.S. soil.
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser also said there are “no immediate” threats to the city.
