Supplemental Info:
While federal law enforcement state there are no specific credible threats to the event, subscribers are reminded of multiple recent incidents targeting politicians, judges, and law enforcement agencies.
The State of the Union is considered a “National Special Security Event,” a designation that puts the US Secret Service in charge, though Capitol Police control most of the security apparatus on the Capitol grounds.
The speech will be broadcast live at 9:00 PM EASTERN on major U.S. broadcast television networks and online.
The tradition of giving a State of the Union address is rooted in the U.S. Constitution. Article II, Section 3 stipulates: The president “shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.”
The speech is delivered during a joint session of Congress. All members of both chambers are invited. The President's Cabinet, armed forces leadership and most of the Supreme Court are also in attendance.
A "designated survivor" is selected from the President's Cabinet who is moved to a secure location during the speech and is prepared to take over the responsibilities of the President in the event catastrophe strikes the Capitol while most government leaders are inside. At least one Supreme Court justice is typically also in a safe location away from the Capitol.
Security measures for the event include non-scalable fence around the Capitol grounds,
counter-sniper teams on rooftops, bomb-sniffing dogs, uninformed officers and plainclothes agents in roving patrols, and National Guard availability.
The following are the road closures announced by the Capitol Police:
At 6:30 a.m., the following roads will be closed to the public:
Pennsylvania Avenue between First Street, NW, and Third Street, NW
Maryland Avenue between First Street, NW, and Third Street, SW
First Street between Constitution Avenue, NW, and Independence Avenue, SW
At 1:30 p.m., the following roads will be closed to the public:
At 3:00 p.m., the following roads will be closed to the public:
At 5:30 p.m., the following roads will be closed to the public:
Constitution Avenue between Louisiana Avenue NW and 2nd Street NE
Independence Avenue between Washington Avenue SW and 2nd Street SE
First Street between Constitution Avenue NW and Louisiana Avenue NW
D Street between First Street NE and 2nd Street NE
First Street between Independence Avenue SW and Washington Avenue SW
Maryland Avenue between First Street NE and Constitution Avenue NE
New Jersey Avenue between C Street NW and Constitution Avenue NW
At 7:00 p.m., the following roads will be closed to the public:
2nd Street between Constitution Avenue NE and Independence Avenue SE
Constitution Avenue between 3rd Street NW and Louisiana Avenue NW
First Street between C Street NW and Louisiana Avenue NW
Independence Avenue between 3rd Street SW and Washington Avenue SW
Washington Avenue between Independence Avenue SW and C Street SW
2nd Street between Washington Avenue SW and C Street SW
From 6:30 a.m. until approximately 11:00 p.m., tour buses will be rerouted away from the Capitol Complex.
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Given the growing social / political tensions across the U.S., there is potential for associated demonstrations to turn violent or result in clashes with police. Caution and vigilance are urged if in the District of Columbia.
