Maryland, Virginia Governors, DC Mayor Urge Americans Not To Attend Inauguration
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser are urging Americans to stay home and not attend President-Elect Joe Biden's inauguration.
The leaders issued a joint statement on Monday:
"January 6, 2021 is now a seminal moment in American history. We are grateful for the courageous efforts of every law enforcement officer, Guard member, and first responder who heroically worked to secure the Capitol and ensure our nation's democracy prevailed.
"On January 20, there will be a transition of power, and we will work together, and with our partners in the federal government, to ensure the safety of the National Capital Region. 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, D.C. and to instead participate virtually.
"In this very trying time, January 6 was a dark moment for our nation. But we know that we will get through this period because American ideals are stronger than one extreme ideology. Together, we will overcome extremism and get back to the work of our residents."
Instead, they ask people to watch the events virtually.
CRISIS AT THE CAPITOL:
- Reward Offered As FBI, DC Police Seek Public's Help To Identify Pro-Trump Rioters Who Rushed U.S. Capitol
- Capitol Police Officer Dies Due To Injuries Sustained During Riots At U.S. Capitol Building
- PHOTOS: Trump Supporters Clash With Police
- Crisis at the Capitol: Complete Coverage
This comes as the FBI issued a warning Monday saying there are planned armed demonstrations leading up to the inauguration.
Five people, including a US Capitol police officer, died and many were injured when a mob of pro-Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol last week.
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