CHARLESTON, W.Va. –Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey wants citizens to know that his January 13 inauguration will be well-secured.
Morrisey was asked during his Thursday press conference on the safety measures for the celebration given the killing of 15 people on Bourbon Street in New Orleans during a New Year’s celebration.
“My heart goes out to all the families who were victimized down in New Orleans,” Morrisey said.
Morrisey says the incoming administration is having the necessary conversations to ensure a safe and secure event for West Virginians.
“Our team is talking with the various people here in West Virginia to make sure that we’re going to have a safe and smooth transition. We’ve been in touch with Homeland Security and the State Police and other people as well,” Morrisey said. “As you’re looking at the inaugural, there’s going to be a lot of components where different people will be involved. The National Guard will be involved, so we are working closely with them because we take that very seriously.”
Morrisey says his focus is geared more towards the safety of the multiple security and law enforcement teams.
“To be honest, I worry less for me, and I want to make sure the law enforcement officers and the State Police and some of the folks that protect the governor, that they’re afforded the best of protection. That they have the updated security at the mansion and other places, and we’re going to make sure that gets done because I’m not going to put law enforcement at risk,” Morrisey said. “I want to make sure we’re doing the best we can to protect people and make sure that everyone knows that they’re going to a safe environment.”
With that mindset laid out, Morrisey also realizes the threats security officers and law enforcement have to be prepared for.
“I also know that there are a lot of sick people out there and there are terrorists out there that are doing things that we have to have no tolerance for,” Morrisey said. “That’s certainly going to be the approach we have in West Virginia.”
The January 13 inauguration follows the following schedule:
9 a.m. faith-based breakfast, free to attend: “Begin the day with a warm gathering featuring delicious breakfast and fellowship at the West Virginia Cultural Center.”
11 a.m. swearing in ceremony, free to attend: “Witness history at the swearing-in ceremony on the West Virginia State Capitol steps.”
12:30 p.m. free coffee, cocoa and cookies at multiple locations around the state Capitol: “Join Governor Morrisey for an afternoon of coffee, cocoa, and cookies at the Capitol Complex.”
1:30 p.m. inaugural parade around Charleston’s East End and Capitol Complex area: “A vibrant celebration of West Virginia’s culture and people, featuring participants from across the state.”
2:30 p.m. West Virginia cultural exhibits, free to see, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center: “Explore the rich history of West Virginia through preserved cultural exhibits at the convention center.”
5:30 p.m. “Celebration of West Virginia Concert,” included in a $100 ticket purchase, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center: “Enjoy an unforgettable evening concert at the convention center with performances by prominent music artists.”
7 p.m. cocktail reception, by invitation only, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center: “Join us for a sophisticated cocktail reception featuring passed hors d’oeuvres and refreshing drinks.”
7:30 p.m. inaugural dinner, included in $100 ticket purchase, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center: “Indulge in a plated dinner with exceptional food and drinks, marking this special inaugural celebration.”
9 p.m. inaugural ball, included in $100 ticket purchase, at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center
Morrisey says he wants residents to feel at ease in taking part in the day of celebration.
“We’re going to do everything possible within our power to make sure that people feel comfortable and safe on inauguration day,” Morrisey said. “That involves a lot of discussions and communications so that the best available systems are put in place.”
“I want people to feel that they can come to the inauguration. I want people to come to the concert, a celebration of West Virginia’s future. I want people to see the fireworks coming and we want to send that message that we have a lot of really talented people in law enforcement,” Morrisey said.
Morrisey announced the first 15 members of his administration during Thursday’s press conference. Morrisey has not announced a director of Homeland Security.