Here's a look at how several cities have stepped up July 4th security plans, given the concerns stemming from the attack on the Boston Marathon.
Boston: State police will deploy additional uniformed and undercover troopers along the Esplanade. Backpacks, coolers with wheels, pre-mixed beverages will be banned. Liquid containers cannot be over two liters and must be clear plastic. The secure perimeter will be expanded, extending from the Hatch Shell to Clarendon Street. All people inside that area will have to pass through security screening gates. After 4 pm, no items carried in except chairs, tarps, or blankets.
Washington, DC: Security procedures for the US Capitol grounds and National Mall will be similar to last year's, with the usual screening points of entry and complete searches of all items. No new bans have been imposed on what can be carried in. The perimeter fencing will be upgraded to chain link fences and bike rack barriers in place of the wooden snow fences of past years--18,000 linear feet of chain link fencing, 14,000 feet of bike racks.
New York City: In addition to the normally heavy component of police officers on the street for July Fourth celebrations, additional manpower will be deployed. Visitors to see the Statue of Liberty will be screened before boarding ferries.
Philadelphia: Beefed up security at sensitive locations such as the Liberty Bell.
Atlanta: People attending public events are asked not to carry backpacks or other bags. Extra security screening will be in place at the Meadow at Piedmont Park, where the Peachtree Road Race finishes.