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Washington Monument Tours Suspended Through Inauguration Out Of Security Concerns

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By Kurt Repanshek - January 11th, 2021

The National Park Service, which drew criticism from the mayor of Washington, D.C., for how it handled permits for last week's events that led to a riot on the U.S. Capitol, on Monday announced it was suspending tours of the Washington Monument and might implement additional security measures leading up to and after President-elect Biden's inauguration on January 20.

"Groups involved in the January 6, 2021, riots at the US Capitol continue to threaten to disrupt the 59th presidential inauguration on January 20, 2021," National Mall and Memorial Parks Superintendent Jeffrey Reinbold said in a release. "This includes the setup and execution of inaugural events, which occur in several park areas. In response, the National Park Service will suspend tours of the Washington Monument beginning January 11, 2021, through January 24, 2021, and may institute temporary closures of public access to roadways, parking areas and restrooms within the National Mall and Memorial Parks if conditions warrant, to protect public safety and park resources.

"... These temporary closures are based upon a determination, in consultation with the local authorities, that such actions are necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety."

In the wake of last week's assault on the Capitol, Mayor Muriel Bowse said the handling of the gathering "demonstrated the National Park Service’s willingess to approve last-minute permits and major adjustments.”

In his statement, Reinbold said the Park Service  "will reopen areas as it determines that the conditions of concern are no longer present."

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