State funeral meets post-9/11 security needs

By Mike Madden | GNS

WASHINGTON - This is what goes into a state funeral, circa 2004: Metal detectors, long lines, police with automatic weapons and the Secret Service watching over it all.

As former President Reagan's body lies in state in the Capitol Rotunda Wednesday and Thursday, the trappings of an 18th century funeral ritual will meet 21st century security needs for the first time. Gone are the days when mourners could simply walk up to the Capitol to pay their respects to a departed president, as they did for John F. Kennedy in 1963 or Lyndon Johnson in 1973.

Now, instead, snipers will line the route as Reagan's funeral procession marches from the White House to Capitol Hill. The public will assemble outside the Capitol for security sweeps. No cameras or large bags will be allowed inside. And no one will be permitted to stop moving once they reach the Rotunda, which will be guarded by hundreds of police officers.

With fresh threats from al-Qaida pouring in daily, American troops battling insurgents in Iraq and frequent attacks in Saudi Arabia, officials aren't taking any chances that terrorism might disrupt the week of mourning for the 40th president.

There was nothing like this for the last presidential state funeral 31 years ago.

``People were able to come through the East Front right into the Rotunda,'' said Betty Koed, the Senate's assistant historian. ``It was pretty open access.''

Because of the enormous public interest in the funeral and the dozens of dignitaries from around the world who will be attending, Department of Homeland Security officials designated it for special protection from the Secret Service. That means a security clampdown Washington sees only rarely - even in the post-Sept. 11 world of concrete barricades and mandatory ID checks.

Police agencies around the city canceled vacation and called all their officers to duty for the week. Officials expect as many as 150,000 people to file through the Capitol to see Reagan's flag-draped casket and scores of thousands more to watch it proceed up Constitution Avenue to get there. The Rotunda will be open around the clock from Wednesday night until Friday morning, when another procession will wind through the city up to the Washington National Cathedral five miles away for a memorial service.

That may present its own security problems. President Bush, Cabinet members, members of Congress, former presidents and world leaders will all gather in the cathedral, which last hosted so many dignitaries at the memorial service three days after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. But the service will be open only to invited guests, making it easier to cut down on potential threats.

Taxpayers will cover the costs of the funeral and the security arrangements, but the final bill won't be known for weeks.

Even the official government holiday on Friday to honor Reagan won't be immune from security considerations. President Bush ordered all federal agencies to close except for offices that handle national security. So while the mail won't be delivered, the Pentagon will stay open.

Still, the heavy security shouldn't block out the somber symbolism of the horse-drawn funeral caisson and the military honor guard. For viewers watching on television, most of the precautions won't even be noticeable.

``People are accustomed to this now,'' said Allan Lichtman, a history professor at American University who studies the presidency. ``It's routine for people now ... and I think there's enough adulation for this ex-president that people are not going to mind it that much.''

U.S. Army Military District of Washington, which will oversee Reagan's funeral.

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State funeral meets post-9/11 security needs

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State funeral meets post-9/11 security needs