WASHINGTON – Increased local security measures will be in place in the days leading up to, during and immediately following the 2024 NATO Summit in Washington, D.C. July 9-11.

Vehicular, public transportation and pedestrian impacts should be expected in the downtown area around the Washington Convention Center, Carnegie Library, Mount Vernon Square, Mellon Auditorium and around the White House Complex.

The public security map and comprehensive traffic plan, to include a complete list of parking restrictions, road closures, and maritime restrictions, are available at https://nsse.dc.gov. 

Residences and businesses inside the affected areas will generally be accessible, but vehicles and pedestrians may be required to undergo security screening prior to entering. Members of the community are encouraged to plan accordingly and expect delays throughout the week. 

“Though Washingtonians are accustomed to the city hosting international events of this magnitude, we strive to effectively communicate any potential impacts to allow people to make any adjustments to their routines,” Matt Stohler, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. secret Service’s Washington Field Office, said. “The U.S. Secret Service and our partners have been actively working with the community to provide the most secure environment while minimizing any impacts to the public.” 

“We have a lot of experience hosting large-scale events in DC, and with the support of our federal and regional partners, we are ready to make sure that next week is a safe and smooth experience for the dozens of world leaders who will be here,” DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said. “We’re encouraging residents to plan ahead, sign up for alerts, and leave extra time and have patience if you are moving to or through Downtown.” 

Temporary road and sidewalk closures will be in effect intermittently beginning July 8 as temporary security measures including, anti-scale fencing, is installed. Official closures will begin July 10 and run through approximately July 11 in the area around the Washington Convention Center, Carnegie Library and Mount Vernon Square. Official closures around the Mellon Auditorium will be in place in the morning of July 9 and will conclude late that evening. Enhanced security measures, to include intermittent street closures, around the White House complex will occur in afternoon and evening of July 10. 

“We are leaning on Washingtonians to do what they have done time and time again: exercise patience and understand that these impacts are needed to keep summit attendees, visitors and all our DC residents safe,” Chief of the DC Metropolitan Police Department Pamela A. Smith said. “I want to assure all Washingtonians that MPD is prepared for the NATO Summit, and we’ll continue to work closely with our partners to ensure its security.”

The secure areas for the event are divided into a Vehicle Screening Perimeter, shaded in blue on the public security map, and a Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter, shaded in red. 

Vehicle Screening Perimeter: Residences and businesses inside the Vehicle Screening Perimeter will be accessible to the public. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to freely enter the Vehicle Screening Perimeter from any area. Vehicles will be permitted to enter the Vehicle Screening Perimeter, though they must enter through a vehicle screening point, which are marked as black circles on the map. Rideshare/taxi drop-off and hot food delivery will be permitted in the Vehicle Screening Perimeter; drivers will just need to enter through a vehicle screening point.

Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter: The Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter will be accessible only to credentialed individuals, such as Summit attendees or staff. Pedestrians must enter through one of the pedestrian checkpoints. Personal vehicles, as well as bicycles and small scooters, will not be permitted to enter the Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter. Rideshare/taxi drop-off and hot food delivery will not be permitted in the Pedestrian Restricted Perimeter. 

Trash services, mail and package delivery will continue in both perimeters; however, schedules will be shifted for service to occur in the overnight and early morning hours. All deliveries entering either perimeter must first go through the Remote Delivery Site located at New York Avenue NW at 6th Street NW for screening. The Remote Delivery Site will be open beginning July 10 at 6 a.m. and continue operations until approximately 7:30 p.m. July 11. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license rated for the vehicle they are driving. Upon completion of the screening process, all delivery vehicles will be sealed and must proceed directly to the security checkpoint. If they arrive at the checkpoint with a broken seal, they will be required to return to the screening site for re-screening. 

Public transport services operated by the Washington Metropolitan Transportation Agency will also be impacted in the area around the event venues. Customers who use stations or bus routes in this area should allow additional travel time to account for detours and delays. Please visit nsse.dc.gov for the latest impacts.

“Metro is proud to collaborate with our local and federal partners to make sure visitors, residents, and employees throughout the region can reach their destinations safely and efficiently during this very busy time for the District,” Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke said.

District and Federal public safety agencies will utilize a free opt-in text service to provide public safety, street closure, weather, and transit updates throughout the NATO Summit. Residents, businesses, and visitors are encouraged to text NATODC to 888-777 to sign up for real-time updates.

“HSEMA is committed to helping District residents, businesses, visitors, and event attendees prepare for the NATO Summit,” DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency Acting Director Clint Osborn said. “It’s important to have real-time access to information during an event of this magnitude and we strongly encourage our community to sign up for the District’s free text service, putting critical and life safety event updates and information at the public’s fingertips.”

In the lead-up to the NATO Summit, agencies at all levels are working together to prepare for every possible situation. With that said, public safety also heavily depends on help from the public to report suspicious activity. If individuals see something, they say something.

“The FBI Washington Field Office looks forward to working with our federal and local partners to ensure that the 75th NATO Summit is held safely and security,’ FBI Washington Field Office Intelligence Analyst in Charge Nikki Floris said. 

The NATO Summit is designated a National Special Security Event by the Secretary of Homeland Security. This designation that is based in part on the event’s significance, size and attendees. Designating an event an NSSE allows for significant resources from the federal government, as well as state and local partners, to be used to ensure a robust security plan is in place.

The full press conference video is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z0e45_cSnY 
Any media queries regarding the 2024 NATO Summit security plan or impacts should be directed to nsse.jic@dc.gov