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CNN Live Today

Park Police Sets Up Perimeter on Washington Mall

Aired July 04, 2002 - 13:02   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: A Park Police spokesman is quoted as saying the safest place in the nation today is Washington, D.C.

But the security comes with a price. Those who gather for the big celebration at the Washington Mall will have to pass through a lot of checkpoints, amid a huge police presence.

CNN's Patty Davis is there to tell us how things are going. People are already starting to grab their spots, aren't they?

PATTY DAVIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: They are. They're already out there. In fact, there's some sunbathers down here, and it's so hot out here, I can't imagine wanting to sunbathe today in 99 degree weather.

No incidents so far this July 4 here on Washington's National Mall. Police are determined to keep it that way. Anyone who comes to the mall -- and there are about 500,000 people expected down here today, have to go through one of 24 checkpoints, have their bags searched.

Police are using handheld wands on some people. The wall is encircled by double snow fencing. There are 2,000 police here, helicopters overhead, even temporary cameras mounted on the Lincoln Memorial to be an extra set of eyes. Now police say that they are just being cautious, that there has been no credible threat.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We have been in a heightened state of alert. And this is the best way to ensure that folks will feel comfortable in coming out to join us today.

What better way to stand up to terrorism than coming here to the nation's capital and stand tall and proud together as Americans and enjoy our freedom?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

DAVIS: Tonight's fireworks have also been under heavy guard. The ATF -- Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, been guarding, for the first time, those fireworks here on the National Mall. Now those fireworks will include, we are told, a tribute to those who died on September 11 -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: From the nation's capital. Thank you very much.

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