Following the January 6 attacks on the U.S. Capitol, in which two police officers and three other people lost their lives, major US Airlines are increasing security on their planes to Washington DC ahead of President-elect Joseph R Biden inauguration on January 20.
American, Delta, United, and Southwest have all decided to temporarily ban firearms on their flights to the nation’s capital. These measures are in direct response to security warning that arm protesters are planning to protest in all 50 State Capitals including Washington DC ahead of or during Biden’s inauguration.
The firearm ban will not affect law enforcement officers but people who are not part of law enforcement agencies. Moreover, these airlines will stop serving alcohol on flights to and from Washington DC starting January 16 to the 21.
According to Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Airlines, his company is forced to take the measures not to do anything to take the pleasure out of flying for his passengers but considering what happened at the Capitol and the warning from law enforcement officials about what some unscrupulous individuals may be planning, they must take these temporary steps as a way of helping law enforcement avoid a repeat of violence during the inauguration.
Additionally, the FAA is also taking steps to address the unruly behaviors of passengers on flights and at airports. FAA Administrator Mr. Steve Dickson told CNBC that passengers who engages in disruptive behavior during the flight will be prosecuted, fine up to $35,000, or go to jail base on the severity of their actions. The mentions are all temporary in the wake of the January 6 incident.
In a related development, in the company statement shared by its spokesman Mr. Ben Breit, Airbnb indicated that it is canceling all reservations in Washington DC and Metro areas from January 16 to 21 to avoid any violence incidence during January 20 inauguration.
Law enforcement experts said that this year’s inauguration is expected to be the most protected in the wake of the riot at the US Capitol as close to 15000 National Guard troops at already been deployed in and around the Capitol.
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