* * * The alarm in Washington has set a historical record.
According to tradition, on July 4th, thousands of Americans will go to national mall, which lies between Capitol Hill and Lincoln Memorial. At noon, 1 1:45, the parade began to March along Constitution Avenue; At 8 pm, the National Symphony Orchestra will perform in the open space outside the Capitol. At 9: 10, the National Mall will hold a grand fireworks show. In previous years, people would go to national mall to take their seats in advance, set chairs, spread blankets and tablecloths, put food on the table and enjoy a performance while having a picnic.
This year's independence day is not so relaxed and happy. The National Mall will be surrounded by two protective fences, with 3, 7 and 14 streets as the dividing line and divided into four areas, among which 15, 17 and 23 streets will be closed to traffic. There will be 24 security checkpoints around the fence, from the west side of the Capitol to the Memorial Bridge on the Potomac River. According to the introduction of the SAR Police, more than 2,000 uniformed police officers will perform alert tasks within the designated area, and national mall, Potomac River and subway stations will be the focus of monitoring.
A police official said that the number of police officers on duty in national mall this year will be the highest in history. The police station has mobilized thousands of elite soldiers from the *** 16 police station in the SAR. They will always patrol on foot, horseback and motorcycle. Because many people will choose to row boats on the beautiful Potomac River, in order to deal with emergencies, the police set aside a 200-foot-wide buffer zone to prohibit ships from entering. At that time, the US Coast Guard will patrol along the Po Tokel River to ensure that there are no "suspicious" ships approaching.
* * * Wearing heavy clothes on a hot day is definitely "suspicious"
Before people enter national mall, the police will check in advance with police dogs to prevent terrorists from carrying explosives and chemical and biological weapons. Police in national parks and the Capitol will use infrared scanners and magnetic rods to strictly check the celebratory crowds entering the venue. Of course, it is unrealistic to check thousands of people one by one. Security personnel only pick those who look suspicious, such as those who wear shorts and T-shirts in hot weather, and those who wear heavy clothes are more abnormal. In addition to routine inspection of backpacks, security personnel will also specially inspect mini freezers used by people to hold frozen food.
The police put forward several requirements for the participants, including not carrying glass containers and grills for barbecue; Private boats are not allowed to stay under the bridge. The police also advised people to take the subway to national mall, but the intercity subway company announced that it would close the Smithsonian station in the warning area of the square and send people to patrol the station. Of course, other stations far from national mall are still open to the public. Just in case, the police also placed 50 special explosion-proof trash cans at the entrance of the nearby subway station, when plainclothes will patrol the whole subway line.
* * * Special tips on July 4th.
On July 3, some tourists walked past the US Capitol Hill surrounded by barbed wire in Washington. July 4th is America's Independence Day. The main buildings in Washington are surrounded by barbed wire to prevent terrorist attacks. Xinhua News Agency reporter Rebecca photo
July 4th is the Independence Day of the United States, and the American Embassy in Afghanistan will hold some celebrations in Kabul. International security forces remain on high alert and impose martial law on their activities. The picture shows the international security forces patrolling the street corner where the activities are held. Xinhua News Agency reporter Zhao Peng photo
As Independence Day approaches, the FBI appeals to the federal and local governments to be especially careful. The branch of the FBI and the counter-terrorism departments all over the country have repeatedly studied how to deal with possible attacks. Government officials at all levels have said that we must ensure the smooth progress of this year's Independence Day celebration with the greatest security. Of course, the White House said not to let the layers of inspections make everyone nervous, so as not to spoil the festive atmosphere.
In addition to the special security zone in Washington, DC, security measures across the United States will also be strengthened. It is estimated that about 6.5438 million people will go to Philadelphia, where the landmark "Independence Hall" is the gathering place, and more than 500,000 people will go to the northeastern city of Boston, which is the key point of defense.
Earlier, the Pentagon announced that during Independence Day, the US military would strengthen air patrols in more than a dozen cities, focusing on Washington and new york. At the same time, the Statue of Liberty in New York, Mount Rosemore National Memorial Park in South Dakota and the giant arch in St. Louis were designated as temporary no-fly zones.
In recent months, American intelligence agencies have frequently warned that terrorists will launch a new round of attacks on Independence Day, ranging from Pennsylvania nuclear power plant to banks, supermarkets and shopping centers everywhere, from dirty bombs to poisonous gas. In June, the White House and the Capitol were evacuated one after another. Although it turned out to be a false alarm, people's already tense nerves were almost broken.
On June 30, many officials of the US government appeared one after another, and the harsh words made everyone particularly vigilant. Secretary of State Powell said that according to all kinds of information and signs, it is absolutely necessary for the American people to be particularly vigilant during Independence Day. Condoleezza rice, Bush's national security adviser, also said that Independence Day is of great significance, and the government asked all people to remain vigilant. Every grass and tree in America is a soldier.
A solemn celebration.
Commemorating the victims of September 1 1 will be a major theme of this year's American Independence Day celebrations. Washington, San Francisco and Chicago will hold a special fireworks display called "Salute to America", starting with a spectacular red, then white, and finally blue. It is said that this monochrome fireworks blooms in the silent night sky, which can create a solemn atmosphere. The fireworks display on Capitol Hill will also include "Salute to America". New york will also hold a large-scale fireworks display that day, named "Hero Time".