It was five years ago today that the U.S. was hit by the deadliest attack in its history, leaving almost 3,000 people dead and launching a global crusade against terrorism. In that time, much has been said about securing the homeland to avoid another attack — and billions more have been allocated to actually doing so. District residents have observed the march towards security both as residents of the city and the nation’s capital, most often dealing with measures that secure the capital while leaving the city vulnerable. So while we mourn the losses of that day, today offers us a good chance to ask whether we’re any safer now. Are government officials spending money effectively and targeting it to where it is most needed? Is the city as protected as the capital, and are residents as likely to be safe in an emergency as is the federal government? Five years later, we’d like to hope so, but we’re not betting on it.

Barry…Oh, You Guys Know the Story: Sigh. We’ll let you guys do the work on this one. Former mayor Marion Barry was arrested early Sunday morning for _______ (crime or infraction) near the White House, reports the Post. Barry, who has had his share of run-ins with police this year and is on a three-year probation stint stemming from a tax payment problem, accused _______ (authority figure) for being out to get him.

Metro Touts Improvements in Security: As a response to the five-year anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Metro police officials have announced that they will be engaging in security sweeps throughout the system today, says WJLA. Metro Transit Police Chief Polly Hanson also claimed that the system, which serves more than 700,000 people a day, is safer than it was five years ago.

Commuting to Suck This Afternoon: The Beltway is always crowded. Tonight it will just be much more crowded, product of the Redskins’ home opener against the Minnesota Vikings, set to start at 7 p.m., notes the Post.

Gun Found in Court Cell: A man cleaning a holding cell toilet in the D.C. Superior Court on Friday found a 25-caliber semi-automatic gun hidden under a wad of paper, writes NBC 4. Investigators are still trying to determine how the gun got into the cell, but have already discounted the possibility that Charmin has been offering free guns as part of a promotion to increase sales of their toilet paper in urban areas.

Briefly Noted: Virginia man sues to keep name off of sex offender registry … ACLU plans District crime summit … Jim Webb gains ground against George Allen after “macaca” incident … Second annual Freedom Walk takes place.

Picture of Pentagon memorial lights snapped by JamesCalder