Inauguration Shutdown Of Downtown Extensive

Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and Dwight Pettiford, far right, acting chief of the U.S. Park Police, show off some of the security assembled for the inauguration. (Bill O'leary -- The Washington Post)

"There is no specific threat directed toward the inaugural or the inaugural activities," Ridge said. "But the fact that . . . the decibel level is down doesn't really mean that we would ever be less vigilant. . . . This is the most visible manifestation of our democracy."

Later, Secret Service officials announced the first details of the many restrictions to take effect.

The list of items prohibited from all event sites includes weapons of any kind, aerosols, supports for signs and placards, packages, coolers, thermal or glass containers, backpacks, laser pointers, bags larger than 8 inches by 6 inches by 4 inches and "any other items determined to be a potential safety hazard," the Secret Service said.

A dozen public entry points have been set for the tens of thousands of people who will be coming downtown for the parade, mostly within two blocks of the parade route, to open at 9 a.m. Jan. 20.

Some restrictions already are drawing complaints. The Christian Defense Coalition, a Washington-based advocacy group, protested a ban on carrying crosses that could be used as weapons.

D.C. police announced the limits on vehicle traffic. All vehicles will be barred from a security zone starting late Wednesday, "no ifs, ands or buts," D.C. police Capt. Jeff Herold said. Hotel and office building garages will be inspected and shut inside the zone, which includes the area around the White House to the Capitol, plus around the Convention Center.

Most street parking will be barred from wider vehicle-restricted zones, and only people who can show they live or have legitimate "business that you can articulate" inside will be permitted to drive in, Herold said.

Authorities urged people to walk or use Metro on Inauguration Day. Limits will be relaxed in phases as Inauguration Day proceeds.

"We realize it is an inconvenience for one day, one partial day, even. We really hope everyone can wrap their arms around it and deal with the event as it is, and help us keep it as safe as possible for every citizen, business, attendee and demonstrator," Herold said.