The United States is set to inaugurate its 46th President tomorrow.
On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden will officially become the 46th President of the United States.
Preparations are underway, including a “Field of Flags” which adorns Washington D.C. as a symbol of hope and excitement ahead of the inauguration.
In addition to a sense of happiness, though, the capital city of the US is pervaded by apprehension.
Security measures heightened
Every presidential inauguration (and any event involving high-profile figures) is, obviously, heavily guarded.
This year, though, tensions are particularly high.
The Capitol Building in Washington D.C. was the site of riots following a speech by Donald Trump encouraging his supporters to refuse acceptance of the vote count.
An intelligence bulletin issued by federal authorities cites these riots as “a significant driver of violence” in the days to come. The bulletin was titled “Domestic Violent Extremists Emboldened in Aftermath of Capitol Breach, Elevated Domestic Terrorism Threat of Violence Likely Amid Political Transitions and Beyond” – with ‘Political Transitions’ referring to tomorrow’s inauguration among other events.
As a precaution against armed militias and extremists that may oppose the inauguration, at least 21 states have activated the National Guard; a military reserve group of the US Army and Air Force.
The FBI has warned that armed protests are being planned not only on Capitol Grounds again, but in all 50 state capital cities.
At the Capitol Building, National Guard members have been deployed for at least a week. They’ve been sleeping in the building, too – ready to jump into action 24 hours a day.
President Trump will not attend
One of the last tweets 45th President Trump sent before his Twitter became banned was:
President Trump might be taking the time to focus instead on his impending impeachment trial.
We hope for a safe transfer of power tomorrow, as well as for peace in the coming weeks and beyond.
Source: #Norway Today #NorwayTodayNews
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