Officials say Independence Day revelers should be ready for tight security at the National Mall and cops watching out for drunk drivers. All visitors will receive security checks at the Mall, which hosts an evening concert, the Smithsonian’s Folklife Festival and fireworks. Public access to the Mall Monday opens at 10 a.m. and people must go through a designated entrance point, according to the National Park Service.
Local police say they’re stepping up patrols to watch for drunk, aggressive, speeding and reckless drivers. Seventy-five extra Maryland State Police troopers will be on duty. In Virginia, 75 percent of state police patrol officers will be on the roads and a number of Northern Virginia police agencies are partnering in an initiative to catch drunk drivers.
– Emily Babay
