Secret Service & other agencies to be on high alert before and during NATO Summit

Increased local security measures will be in place in the days leading up to, during and immediately following the NATO Summit July 8-12, 2024, in Washington, D.C.

“The Secret Service’s number one priority, along with our law enforcement partners, is to create a safe and secure environment for our protectees, visiting world leaders and the public,” said U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stohler. “While we strive to minimize any inconvenience, people should expect to experience increased traffic on both roads and walkways due to street closures and other restrictions, particularly in areas where summit events are being held.”

Vehicular, public transportation and pedestrian impacts should be expected in the downtown area around the Washington Convention Center, Carnegie Library, Mount Vernon Square and the Mellon Auditorium. Residences and businesses inside the affected areas will generally be accessible, but vehicles and pedestrians may be required to undergo security screening prior to entering. Members of the community are encouraged to plan accordingly and expect delays throughout the week.

“Events like this require detailed planning, close collaboration, and constant communication,” said D.C. Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith. “We are doing all that and more to ensure a safe and smooth NATO Summit with as few impacts as possible to D.C. residents.”

In the coming weeks, a comprehensive traffic plan and map, to include street closures and parking restrictions will be available at http://www.mpdc.dc.gov/NSSE.

“HSEMA works closely with District agencies and partners every day to limit the impacts of large-scale special events on District residents, businesses, and visitors,” said D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency Acting Director Clint Osborn. “The District Emergency Operations Center and Joint Information Center will be activated to efficiently coordinate resources, public safety, and communications throughout the NATO Summit.”

District and Federal public safety agencies will utilize a free opt-in text service to provide public safety, street closure, weather, and transit updates throughout the NATO Summit. Residents, businesses, and visitors are encouraged to text NATODC to 888-777 to sign up for real-time updates.

The NATO Summit, is designated a National Special Security Event by the Department of Homeland Security, a designation that is based in part on the event’s significance, size and attendees. Designating an event an NSSE allows for significant resources from the federal government, as well as state and local partners, to be used to ensure a robust security plan is in place.

In the lead-up to the NATO Summit, agencies at all levels are working together to prepare for every possible situation. That said, public safety also heavily depends on help from the public to report suspicious activity. If individuals see something, they say something.

“Leading up to and during the NATO Summit, FBI intelligence analysts will be working to assess and share intelligence with our partners to ensure the safety of all attendees and participants,” said David Sundberg, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. “We will assess any information and intelligence received, and work with our partners to quickly and safely resolve any issues.”