Safety Concerns Arise For the Upcoming Inauguration After Capitol Riots

Recent attacks on the Capitol and COVID-19 concerns have prompted a shift in the typical style of the Presidential inauguration.

President-elect, Joe Biden and Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris will be inaugurated on January 20. Biden will become the 46th President of the United States. 

The inauguration is a long-held tradition beginning the official transition of power from one president to the next. An oath is given that swears the President-elect as well as Vice-President-elect into office. After this, the newly sworn-in President makes an inaugural address, a speech including the intended changes for the country are made. In tradition, previous Presidents aren’t required to attend, yet a majority do. 

On aoc.gov it is stated, “The 20th amendment to the Constitution specifies that the term of each elected President of the United States begins at noon on January 20 of the year following the election. Each president must take the oath of office before assuming the duties of the position.”

For this year, as of now, previous presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush plan to attend. Although for the first time in over a century, current President Trump has stated that he will not be attending despite Vice-President Pence stating his duty to be there. 

Typically held at the U.S. Capitol, many government officials as well as citizens or those residing in the states, have questioned this following the riots that occurred on January 6.

We DO NOT need a public inauguration to prove a point we need a private inauguration to meet the moment. This moment requires safety over norm. All levels of Law enforcement are compromised and in service to dear leader. It’s better to be safe than to be sorry. #Inauguration2021

— Jan G (@02bermuda2) January 12, 2021

*I’m* afraid for @JoeBiden, who’s with me? @Transition46 needs to move #Inauguration2021 to an undisclosed indoor location & hold it virtually. We can have a fun outdoor public celebration at some point in the future when it’s safe to gather in crowds again #VIRTUALInauguration https://t.co/Q01n68nJV2

— Tara Dublin Says #ImpeachTrumpNOW (@taradublinrocks) January 11, 2021

Problems such as White supremacy terror attacks on the Capitol, the refusal of wearing face masks by some of the Republican Senate members, and the pandemic, have caused the plans to change for the Inauguration. 

Rather than having the typical mass parade at the National Mall, the unwieldy amount of military accompaniment or the annual televised inaugural ball, Biden plans to have a private oath ceremony at the Capitol along with socially distanced military members. 

Even though Presidents usually follow the parade tradition, there has ultimately been a decision to have an all virtual parade. This will consist of a plethora of communities from different states. These communities have planned performances ranging from the power of diversity, celebrating the melting-pot of heritage, along with much more to celebrate the President and Vice President-Elect.

Law enforcement warns of major threats in all 50 states and Washington, DC for the Inauguration of Joe Biden next week. @LauraAJarrett & @ChristineRomans have all the latest details #CNNPolitics #Inauguration2021 pic.twitter.com/VtIhtmetY3

— CNN Early Start (@EarlyStart) January 12, 2021

Despite Biden’s attempts to stay as safe as possible, many Americans have questioned if this truly will keep everyone safe. Biden seems confident that everyone’s safety will be in check as shown by his continuous meetings with his health committee. 

We are confident in our security partners and @JCCIC, who have spent months planning for this historic event, and are working with them to ensure the utmost safety and security.

We look forward to January 20 when our country and the world witness a peaceful transition of power.

— Biden Inaugural Committee (@BidenInaugural) January 7, 2021

Biden’s inaugural team created a subsection of a health committee team, which includes previous Food and Drug Administration commissioner, Dr. David Kessler as the chief medical advisor. New staff for health and safety issues has also been recently added. 

Shown through Vox, Biden recently stated, “I am not concerned with my safety, security, or the inauguration. I’m not concerned. The American people are going to stand up, stand up now. Enough is enough is enough.”

To reassure citizens, Biden and his team seem to have put the utmost thought into their decision. Despite these efforts, citizens continue to feel concerned over the deemed inaugural conclusion.

For more information regarding the Biden/Harris inauguration click here.