How Inauguration Day Is Shaping Up: Beefed Up Security, Limited Public Access

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President-elect Joe Biden’s swearing in is set to continue as scheduled with several security modifications in place. Public access to the U.S. Capitol and to the Washington Monument is so far banned until after Inauguration Day.

BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

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BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

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Capitol Police Officers Suspended For Actions During Rioters’ Attack On Capitol

She said the Capitol Police — who have been heavily criticized for their handling of Wednesday’s violent assault on the House and Senate chambers and offices — are engaged with law enforcement partners on the federal, state, and local levels on security for Inauguration Day.

«We have comprehensive, coordinated plans in place to ensure the safety and security of the Congressional community and the upcoming Presidential Inauguration, Pittman said.

The Washington Monument is also closed to tours due to «credible threats to visitors and park resources surrounding Biden’s inauguration, the National Park Service said. The monument will remain closed through Jan. 24.

The NPS says it might also temporarily block public access to roadways, parking areas, and restrooms on the National Mall «if conditions warrant, to protect public safety and park resources.

Region urges virtual celebration

President Trump granted a state of emergency for Washington, D.C. from Monday through Jan. 24, after D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser requested the declaration. Federal assistance is also being provided to supplement the city’s response efforts during Inauguration Day.

Bowser has also asked the Department of the Interior to cancel or deny permits for demonstrations through Jan. 24, and she’s asked the Justice Department to provide daily intelligence and threat briefings to D.C. authorities.

Bowser, asked Monday during a press conference whether she is «scared about the prospect of more violence in the region, said: «If anything, I’m scared for our democracy. We have very extreme factions in our country that are armed and dangerous.

Gen. Daniel Hokanson, the chief of the National Guard Bureau, has said the Guard plans to have up to 10,000 troops present, with the possibility of an additional increase of up to 15,000 in D.C. to meet current and future requests for the inauguration.

National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from several states have traveled to the National Capital Region to provide support to federal and district authorities leading up to the 59th Presidential Inauguration. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/HbF95GsOGc

— General Daniel Hokanson (@ChiefNGB) January 9, 2021

Even with the security measures in place, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, and Bowser issued a joint statement urging Americans not to come to D.C. for the celebrations.

The trio said, «Due to the unique circumstances surrounding the 59th Presidential Inauguration, including last week’s violent insurrection as well as the ongoing and deadly COVID-19 pandemic, we are taking the extraordinary step of encouraging Americans not to come to Washington, DC and to instead participate virtually.