Joe Biden's Inauguration Under Unprecedented Security Measures

WASHINGTON, (Patria) - The inauguration of the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden, will be held today in Washington. Democrat Joe Biden and his Vice President Kamala Harris will be sworn in in a deserted city full of military personnel following the invasion of the Capitol building by supporters of Donald Trump, which resulted in the demolition of the building and the death of five people.

Since that day, there has been an almost siege-like state on the streets of Washington, especially after the FBI's warnings about possible incidents and even attacks. The area around Capitol Hill has been blocked for days, and every approach to that part of DC is strictly controlled.

Washington residents have been told to stay home and follow the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States virtually, so as not to risk coronavirus infection.

Trump is the first president since Andrew Johnson in 1869 to refuse to attend the swearing-in of his successor.

Tradition dictates that the outgoing president and his first lady welcome the new presidential couple on the morning of the swearing-in day and that they arrive at the Capitol together.

His Vice President Mike Pence will attend the ceremony.

More than 20,000 members of the National Guard and military reservists, armed, are patrolling the city. Barbed wire fences and concrete blocks have been erected to protect the White House and the Capitol.

Instead of the audience that traditionally gathers on the field near the Capitol, around 200,000 flags have been placed to represent the citizens who will not be able to attend this year.

After taking the oath, Biden will deliver a traditional speech emphasizing the reconciliation of Americans.

Pop star Lady Gaga will perform, singing the American anthem, along with Latin diva Jennifer Lopez.

He will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery with three of his predecessors and their wives: George W. and Laura Bush, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Barack and Michelle Obama.

On the way back, the motorcade of the 46th American President will stop a few hundred meters from the White House, and Joe Biden will walk to his new residence.

Then he will be able to announce his first presidential decisions.

Instead of traditional balls and concerts, the evening will be spent watching television, which will broadcast a special program hosted by actor Tom Hanks, while Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will address the public live on TV.