How the Capitol has changed security since the last inauguration

Four years after a chaotic riot interrupted Congress‘s certification of the 2020 presidential election, law enforcement has made several changes to secure the Capitol for this year’s certification and subsequent presidential inauguration.

One of the top changes was the Department of Homeland Security designating the joint session of Congress’s certification as a National Special Security Event. The designation was already afforded to the inauguration, along with other top events such as the Super Bowl, but for 2025, it was extended to the Jan. 6 session of Congress.