Safety Information for Next Week’s Inauguration Events

Dear UMBC Community,

As we approach the Presidential Inauguration, we want to provide the campus community with an update on what we know about planned protests in our area and guidance on keeping yourself safe and healthy.

• While we are not expecting any protests/incidents on campus, the UMBC Police will be increasing our presence on campus during the week of January 17.

• We ask that community members avoid traveling to or near the Statehouse in Annapolis on Sunday, January 17, due to calls for armed protests at all state capitals across the country on that date.

• We also ask that you avoid traveling to Washington, D.C. on and around Inauguration Day, Wednesday, January 20, in light of the ongoing security situation; numerous street, metro, and site closures; and health risks posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to security concerns, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to make large gatherings very dangerous, and we strongly advise choosing to attend some of the many planned virtual events.  If you choose to attend events in person during the coming days, please take steps to stay safe and healthy. These include social distancing, wearing a mask at all times, frequent hand washing or sanitizing, and avoiding contact with people outside of your immediate household.

Earlier this week, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan joined with Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in issuing a joint statement regarding the Inauguration that said, in part, “Due to the unique circumstances surrounding the 59th Presidential Inauguration, including last week’s violent insurrection as well as the ongoing and deadly COVID-19 pandemic, we are taking the extraordinary step of encouraging Americans not to come to Washington, D.C. and to instead participate virtually.”

As always, if you see something on campus that concerns you, please contact UMBC Police at (410) 455-5555. If you experience an emergency or see something of concern while you are off campus, please call 911.

Paul Dillion, UMBC Chief of Police