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WASHINGTON ON LOCKDOWN

Bomb disposal squad scrambled to Washington DC to investigate ‘suspicious package’ just 24 hours before Trump inauguration

Bomb scare minutes away from the White House just after President-elect touches down in US capital

EXPLOSIVE experts rushed to investigate a package in downtown Washington DC on the eve of Donald Trump's inauguration.

The capital city went into lockdown amid the bomb scare, which took place minutes away from the White House.

 Bomb scare ... members of a bomb disposal team could be seen investigating a suspicious package in downtown Washington DC earlier today
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Bomb scare ... members of a bomb disposal team could be seen investigating a suspicious package in downtown Washington DC earlier todayCredit: Getty Images
 The scare comes just 24 hours before Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States
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The scare comes just 24 hours before Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 45th President of the United StatesCredit: Getty Images

Security is tight in the nation's capital ahead of the President-elect's swearing in, as the US prepares for the transfer of the United States Presidency.

Members of a bomb disposal team could be seen disposing of the suspicious package at around 1.30pm local time.

Washington cops tweeted about the lockdown in the early afternoon.

 Security is tight in the nation's capital ahead of the inauguration ceremony
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Security is tight in the nation's capital ahead of the inauguration ceremonyCredit: Getty Images

Security is expected to cost £80million as Washington DC becomes a target for terrorists and anti-Donald Trump protesters.

More than 22,000 National Guard members, cops and agents from the Department of Homeland Security will be on patrol.


Motorcycle group “Bikers for Trump” have vowed to protect the President with a “wall of meat”.

Republican Senator Roy Blunt, said: “On inaugural day, this would be the most appealing target in the world.”

Hospitals have also been put on alert and doctors have been asked not to schedule surgeries today to keep beds free.

 Ready for his big moment ... Donald Trump has arrived in Washington with wife Melania and the rest of the First Family ahead of his inaugural festivities
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Ready for his big moment ... Donald Trump has arrived in Washington with wife Melania and the rest of the First Family ahead of his inaugural festivitiesCredit: EPA
 Trump will be officially sworn in on Friday morning after taking the oath of office around noon local time
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Trump will be officially sworn in on Friday morning after taking the oath of office around noon local timeCredit: EPA

About 100 groups have vowed to try and disrupt proceedings, 63 of which are planning marches in the city today.

#DisruptJ20 plan blockades and rallies to interrupt the ceremony and related celebrations. One member was recorded promising to try to make the inauguration a “giant clusterf***”.

On Saturday a “Women’s March” against Trump’s presidency could draw 500,000.

Celebrities including Amy Schumer, Scarlett Johansson and Katy Perry are rumoured to be coming.




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