Security preps underway in Philadelphia for Harris-Trump debate at National Constitution Center
Security measures ahead Harris-Trump debate at National Constitution Center in Philly
From road closures to blocked entrances, FOX 29's Kelly Rule has the latest on security measures that will be taken during Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's first presidential debate on September 10 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
PHILADELPHIA - Tents, fences, barriers and other security measures have been erected outside the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia as it prepares to host the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
With two presidential candidates in town, significant road closures and limited public access near the center are expected next week.
FOX 29’s Kelly Rule has learned the city’s Office of Emergency Management is expected to release more details about timing and street closures on Friday.
Law enforcement sources say there will likely be no public access to a perimeter around the Constitution Center, that may stretch across a portion of Independence Mall.
With no live audience permitted in the debate, there will not be a designated area to gather right outside the Constitution Center either. The center is already closed on Monday and Tuesday, and will now close Sunday and Wednesday due to the debate.
They are offering discounted days for visitors coming before or after.
"As we get closer to the day it’s going to be a little bit more challenging in the district, but once things are over, we’ll be back open for regular business," said Vince Stango, Executive VP and Chief Operating Office. "We’re working with all of the local and federal law enforcement agencies, the National Park Service to make sure that it’s a safe event and that people have their ability to demonstrate in a safe manner."
On Thursday, park service staff could be seen moving fencing, along with different agencies meeting, including Philadelphia Police, outside the center.
Several factors will contribute to the security plans, including what day and time candidates will arrive in Philadelphia. It’s not the first time the Constitution Center is hosting presidential candidates, but they say it’s impactful for many reasons.
"General election, debate, eyes of the world on Philadelphia, it’s just a great way to showcase our city and our institution," said Stango.
The ABC News debate, which will be simulcasted on FOX Local, will take place at 9 p.m. with David Muir and Lindsey Davis serving as moderators. The debate is the first between Trump and Harris since Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance in June pushed him to suspend his re-election bid.
The debate will have nearly the same rules as the previous presidential debate, including muted microphones to avoid candidates interrupting each other. ABC News says the candidates will stand behind lecterns, will not make opening statements and will not be allowed to bring notes during the 90-minute debate, the Associated Press reports.
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This isn’t the first time the museum has hosted presidential candidates. Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton debated at the museum, former president Trump held a 2020 town hall and President Biden used the center as a backdrop for a speech on voting rights.
The center's Director of Communications, Moira Bagley Smith, stated, "We are the museum of We the People. We celebrate America’s founding charter, the most important document in American history."