VBSO Deputies to Help with Trump Inauguration Security

On January 18, 2025By Littum

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Due to expected cold temperatures, the inauguration of Donald Trump in Washington, DC will be indoors at the Capitol Rotunda.

But outside, security will be tight.

And a local emergency response team will be there to help secure it.

Trump’s swearing-in will be DC’s third major national security event since the beginning of the year — the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter and the election certification, where additional security was needed.

Members of the VBSO were in DC on January 6th for the Congressional Presidential Certification and last October they trained with the US Capitol Police.

“It was a huge honor,” said Lt. Demetrius Taylor of the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office. “Everybody was really excited. There was a lot of preparation that went into it.”

Taylor was there with other members of the VBSO emergency response team.

“It’s very cold, but it was a small price to pay for something so, so important,” Taylor said.

And now, two weeks later, 16 members of the emergency response team will head back to the nation’s capital to provide assistance to the US Capitol Police. Lt. Mark Kimener will be one of those going to DC

“Our goal is really just to be there as a backup and in case something goes a little bit wrong, we can help support, ensure (of) crowd control and manage the situation,” Kimener said. “A lot of people are expected to be there and we hope everyone is there.”

More than 250,000 people have tickets for the event and in terms of security, 25,000 police officers and military personnel are on hand and close to 4,000 officers from other parts of the country will also be there.

Deputies’ training for Monday’s inauguration dates back to October in Beltsville, Maryland.

“Just make sure I leave no stone unturned and make sure all my guys are prepared,” Taylor said, “that they have all the equipment they need, that they’re briefed on all the intelligence that comes filtered through me and my captain.”

The FBI is monitoring any threats, and according to agents, there are no specific threats at this time. However, they are wary because of previous threats against the future president’s life.

“We’re always prepared for anything and everything,” Kimener said. “But again, we just hope that Monday is peaceful and that everyone is there to enjoy this.”

If you are going to the inauguration, security will be tight and there will be roadblocks in DC. It may be a good idea to map your destination before departure.

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