Context:

Washington, D.C. is preparing for a large-scale military parade to celebrate both the 250th birthday of the Army and President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, with significant security measures in place. Over 18 miles of fencing and 175 magnetometers will be used to manage the expected crowd of hundreds of thousands, transforming the event into a National Special Security Event. The parade will feature military displays, including M1 Abrams tanks and Paladin howitzers, and is set against a backdrop of possible counter-protests and heightened security coordination among various agencies. The Secret Service is leading efforts with assistance from the FBI, Capitol Police, and the National Guard to ensure safety and manage any civil disobedience. Despite the scale of the event, local officials have adapted their plans to accommodate the expanded nature of the celebration prompted by Trump's involvement.

Dive Deeper:

• The military parade in Washington, D.C. is organized to celebrate the Army's 250th birthday and President Trump's 79th birthday, requiring extensive preparations including the erection of 18 miles of fencing and the deployment of drones, despite the usual no-fly zone over the city.

• An estimated 200,000 attendees are expected for the parade, with preparations for even more, including the installation of 175 magnetometers to manage access to the event, which is anticipated to cause significant traffic disruptions, prompting advice to use public transportation.

• This event has been designated as a National Special Security Event, which involves high-level coordination among D.C. officials, the FBI, Capitol Police, and the National Guard, with the Secret Service taking charge of security measures to manage potential large crowds and protests.

• The parade will feature military equipment such as M1 Abrams battle tanks and Paladin howitzers, as President Trump transformed the originally planned Army birthday celebration into a more extensive military display.

• Counter-protests, including a planned mass march to the White House named the No Kings rally, are expected, and security agencies are on alert for any signs of unrest that could mirror current protests in Los Angeles.

• FBI's Washington Field office is actively monitoring for threats, although no credible threats have been identified, and local officials have adjusted plans swiftly to accommodate the expanded nature of the event.

• The transformation of the event into a large-scale military parade was a recent development following President Trump's involvement, which necessitated rapid adjustments by local officials who have become adept at handling such last-minute changes.