Arlington Thanks Public Safety Employees, Prepares for Presidential I

Published on January 11, 2021

Arlington County is taking all necessary steps to ensure public safety in the run-up to the January 20, 2021 Presidential Inauguration, County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti said today.

"My colleagues and I share the concerns that so many Arlingtonians have voiced in the wake of the storming of the Capitol last Wednesday," de Ferranti said. "We are proud of the Arlington County police officers and firefighters who helped defend the Capitol and tended to the wounded. While we are grateful that no Arlington first responders or residents were injured, we mourn the loss of life, including the death of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who was mortally injured while defending the Capitol. Our officers who defended the Capitol and democracy deserve our profound gratitude. Everyone who participated in this violent assault on our Capitol must be held accountable."

To be sure that Arlingtonians are safe and in fulfillment of our shared commitment to the constitutional and peaceful transfer of power, de Ferranti said, "Arlington will take all necessary legal steps to protect our community and help keep the peace in the coming days. I have full confidence that the County Manager and the Acting Police Chief are taking the steps necessary to keep Arlingtonians safe and appropriately assist with the safe transfer of power in a way that aligns with our community's ideals and commitments."

Receive official information about major emergencies on up to 10 devices. Sign up for Arlington Alert.

Learn more about Arlington's response to the pandemic.