As with the 54th and 55th Presidential Inaugurations , in 2001 and 2005 , respectively , the 56th Presidential Inauguration in 2009 was designated as a National Special Security Event ( NSSE ) , resulting in the United States Secret Service being the lead Federal agency for the development and implementation of the overall security plan ; the Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI ) being the lead Federal agency for counter terrorism , intelligence , and criminal investigation ; and the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) being the lead Federal agency for crisis management in the aftermath of any terrorist attack , natural disaster or other catastrophic incident . The United States Capitol Police had primary responsibility for security and emergency response within the Capitol Complex to include the Inaugural Platform and the Inaugural Luncheon . The NSSE designation was made by Michael Chertoff , Secretary of Homeland Security , on December 10 , 2008 . The inauguration took place in an era of enhanced security in the decade following the September 11 attacks . Because of the size of the crowds expected in Washington , D.C. for the inaugural activities , planners raised concerns about public safety and security . Army General Richard Rowe , head of the joint military task force for the Washington , D.C. area , explained that security forces had to stretch their imagination to anticipate previously unthinkable security threats , especially in light of the Mumbai attacks in India that occurred in November 2008 . Attention was heightened by terrorist threats
Mumbai attacks
2008 Mumbai attacks
First inauguration of Barack Obama