Enhanced Security Measures for Upcoming Election Certification

The U.S. government is ramping up security for Congress' certification of the November 5th election results, slated for January 6th. This move aims to prevent a repeat of the 2021 Capitol attack by supporters of former President Donald Trump. The Secret Service will oversee the security measures following recommendations from previous investigations.

The U.S. government has announced heightened security for Congress' certification of the November 5 election results, scheduled for January 6, to avert a recurrence of the 2021 Capitol attack initiated by supporters of former President Donald Trump.

The Department of Homeland Security has labeled the congressional certification a "national special security event," the Secret Service stated on Wednesday. Republican candidate Trump is contesting the election against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in a closely watched race.

This designation mobilizes federal, state, and local resources for the security effort, placing the Secret Service in command of the security protocol. This step comes in response to recommendations from congressional and watchdog reports investigating the 2021 Capitol breach.

In 2020, Trump lost the presidential election to Joe Biden but falsely claimed victory, urging Congress to reject the results. On January 6, 2021, his supporters stormed the Capitol in a failed attempt to disrupt the certification. Trump's involvement was investigated by a congressional panel, leading to his indictment over efforts to overturn the election outcome.

(With inputs from agencies.)