MANASSAS, Va. – A barrier went up at the Prince William County Courthouse following the Boston Marathon bombings.
Today, bright yellow crowd control barriers with “road closed” and “sheriff’s line do not cross” were erected in front of the Judicial Center on Lee Avenue, blocking vehicles from entering a traffic circle in front of the busy courthouse and county jail complex.
It’s part of a heightened security and awareness effort following Monday’s terror attacks that killed three and left dozens more suffering shrapnel wounds at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
“This is the people’s house and we want them to feel safe when they come here,” noted a Prince William County Sheriff’s officer who asked his name not be printed.
The barrier was erected in response to the Boston bombings, but the sheriff’s spokesman added it is also erected on days when high-profile cases are heard inside the courthouse. In contrast to Monday, it was lighter than normal duty at Prince William’s courthouse on Tuesday, he added.
In addition to the barrier, flags in front of the courthouse were flying at half mast.
Stringent security precautions are already in place at the judicial center. Sheriff’s deputies charged guarding the courthouse regularly require 100% identification, have banned all cell phones with cameras, and require all who enter to pass through a metal detector.
