AUG 20, 4:12 PM

MPD Will Have ‘Increased Presence’ Around D.C. During Sept. 18 ‘Justice For J6’ Rally

Elliot C. Williams https://twitter.com/ecwilliams30

Due to increased security concerns over a September rally planned in support of the people arrested for storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, the Metropolitan Police Department will activate its entire force for that day. WUSA9 first reported the news Friday.

In response to a request for details about the department’s security plan, an MPD spokesperson confirmed that the department will activate its force for the Sept. 18 rally — meaning sworn officers who typically have Saturdays off will be on-duty — but denied that it plans on cancelling previously scheduled leave. The spokesperson told DCist in a statement that officers will have “an increased presence around the city where demonstrations will be taking place and will be prepared to make street closures for public safety.”

“In anticipation of First Amendment activities on Saturday, September 18, 2021, the Metropolitan Police Department will be fully prepared,” the spokesperson said. “As with all First Amendment demonstrations, MPD will be monitoring and assessing the activities and planning accordingly with our federal law enforcement partners.”

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