Inauguration 2021: Swearing in of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

The inauguration of a president is usually marked by lavish balls, colorful parades and hundreds of thousands of spectators. But well before the January 20, 2021 swearing-in of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, it was apparent that this year's event would look quite different. The January 6 assault on the Capitol and a raging coronavirus pandemic meant changes that were hard to miss, everything from masked inspectors to law enforcement in full tactical gear.

Here is a look at the scene in Washington D.C. and environs for the inauguration of the 46th president of the United States.

In this photo, a "Field of Flags" covers the National Mall as the U.S Capitol Building is prepared for the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. Roughly 191,500 U.S. flags were expected to cover a section of the National Mall to represent Americans unable to travel to Washington, D.C. for the ceremony this year.

Heavy security

A National Guard member mans a security checkpoint near the U.S. Capitol on January 19 in Washington, D.C. About 25,000 National Guard troops were deployed as additional security for President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration following the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

Inauguration Day

A worker cleans glass around the podium where President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th president at the inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. 

Joe Biden is sworn in

Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th U.S. President during his inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C. 

Taking the oath

Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Jill Biden holds the Bible and their children, Ashley and Hunter, look on during the inauguration ceremony on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021.

President Biden

President Joe Biden reacts as he delivers his inaugural address on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 after being sworn in as the 46th president of the United States.

Inaugural address

President Joe Biden delivers his inaugural address on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021.

In the speech, he urged the American people to cast aside political divisions that have gripped the nation for the last four years and "end this uncivil war."

Capitol crowd

Officials and guests fill the balconies at the U.S. Capitol as Kamala Harris is sworn in as vice president during the 59th presidential inauguration in on January 20, 2021. A few minutes later, Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States.

Kamala Harris sworn in

Kamala Harris is sworn is as U.S. Vice President by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, as her husband Doug Emhoff holds the Bible, at the inauguration ceremony on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021.

Harris takes oath

Kamala Harris is sworn as U.S. Vice President as her husband Doug Emhoff holds the Bible at the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021.

The Bidens

President-elect Joe Biden and wife Dr. Jill Biden arrive for his inauguration ceremony on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C. 

Family hug

President Joe Biden embraces his son Hunter, daughter Ashley, and wife Dr. Jill Biden after being sworn in during the 59th presidential inauguration on January 20, 2021. 

Garth Brooks

Garth Brooks delivers an a cappella performance of "Amazing Grace" at the inauguration of President Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C. 

A young poet

Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, 22, prepares to recite an original composition at the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C. 

First congrats

First lady Dr. Jill Biden embraces President Joe Biden after he delivered his inaugural address on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C. 

Hopeful benediction

Reverend Dr. Silvester Beaman speaks during a benediction during the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C. 

Incoming vice president

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and husband Doug Emhoff arrive for the inauguration ceremony on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021, where Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th president of the United States.

At the Capitol

(L-R) Doug Emhoff, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Jill Biden and President-elect Joe Biden wave as they arrive on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol for the inauguration on January 20, 2021.

U.S. Army Band

The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" plays during the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C. 

Welcome address

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) gives the opening address at the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C. 

Incoming first couple

President-elect Joe Biden and Jill Biden arrive for the inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021.

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama

Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama at the inauguration of Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C. 

Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton

Former President Bill Clinton arrives with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to the inauguration of Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021.

George W. Bush and Laura Bush

Former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush arrive to the inauguration of Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021.

History-makers

Former President Barack Obama greets Vice President-elect Kamala Harris during the 59th presidential inauguration on January 20, 2021.

Vice President Mike Pence

Vice President Mike Pence arrives at the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C. 

Obama and Biden

President-elect Joe Biden bumps fists with former President Barack Obama ahead of his inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021.

Hero officer

U.S. Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman arrives at the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C.  Officer Goodman was hailed as a hero for diverting rioters away from the Senate during the attack on the Capitol January 6th.

Supreme Court justices

U.S. Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett and Neil M. Gorsuch arrive for the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021.

Incoming and outgoing vice presidents

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris greets Vice President Mike Pence as she arrives for the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021.

Former first lady

Former first lady Michelle Obama greets other attendees at the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021.

Mitch McConnell and Elaine Chao

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, arrive at the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden at the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga arrives to sing the national anthem at the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden at the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C. 

National anthem

Lady Gaga sings the national anthem at the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez performs during the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C. 

Reviewing the troops

President Joe Biden, first lady Dr. Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Douglas Emhoff attend the Pass in Review ceremony, hosted by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol after the inauguration on January 20, 2021.

Arlington wreath

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol January 20, 2021.

Paying respects

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery following the 59th presidential inauguration on January 20, 2021.

Parade route

President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden walk the abbreviated parade route after Biden's inauguration on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C. 

Walk to the White House

President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden walk the abbreviated parade route after Mr. Biden's inauguration on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C.

At the White House

President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden stand at the North Portico of the White House after Biden's inauguration on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C. 

Executive orders

President Joe Biden signs a series of executive orders at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office just hours after his inauguration on January 20, 2021. Among other things, he pledged to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement.

Blocking traffic

National Guard troops block traffic near the U.S. Capitol on January 19 in Washington, D.C. Tens of thousands of National Guard troops were deployed as additional security for President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration following the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Military band arrives

A military band arrives at the U.S Capitol early in the morning ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C. 

Presidential seal

A worker places a Presidential seal on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony, January 20, 2021.

Kamala Harris

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris during the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C. 

Stage is set

The West Front of the U.S. Capitol is draped in flags in preparations for the 59th inaugural ceremony for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on January 20, 2021.

Police presence

Local and out-of-town police forces gather near Capitol Hill in preparation for Inauguration Day.

Biden at church

President-elect Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden attend services at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle with Congressional leaders prior to his inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C. 

Trump's departure

Marine One, carrying outgoing President Donald Trump, flies by the Capitol on its way out of Washington ahead of the inauguration ceremony for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on January 20, 2021.

Wanted poster

A National Guard member walks past a digital wanted poster on January 19, seeking information on suspects in the U.S. Capitol attack.

Selfie with flags

A law enforcement officer takes a picture in front of the "Field of Flags" at the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol early morning ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on January 20, 2021.

U.S. Army Band member

A member of the U.S. Army Band ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C. 

Capitol steps

(L-R) Doug Emhoff, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Jill Biden, President-elect Joe Biden walk up the stairs into the U.S. Capitol, along with inauguration co-chairs Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), ahead of the inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2021.

Socially distant

A worker prepares the stage on Capitol Hill ahead of the inaugural ceremony for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on January 19 in Washington, D.C. 

Mall in daylight

The National Mall is draped in flags ahead of the inaugural ceremony for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

Dog on patrol

A K-9 unit patrols residential streets near a security perimeter on January 19 in Washington, D.C. 

Photo op

Passers-by take photos as Marine One carrying President Donald Trump and Melania Trump departs the White House ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2021, in Washington, D.C.

Rehearsing in masks

People dressed in Revolutionary War-era military attire rehearse for an inaugural parade on Pennsylvania Avenue outside the gates of the White House on January 18.

Field of Flags

Blue lights are beamed into the night sky over the "Field of Flags" on the grounds of the National Mall, with the U.S. Capitol dome in the distance.

"Field of Flags" on the National Mall

The "Field of Flags" illuminated on the National Mall, with the U.S. Capitol Building in the distance, the night before the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

"The President's Own" United States Marine Band

"The President's Own" United States Marine Band performs for the inauguration of Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, D.C. 

Inauguration security

A National Guardsman walks past the flags that fill the National Mall ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony, January 20, 2021, in Washington, D.C.

Merch for sale

T-shirts bearing the likeness of President-elect Joseph Biden for sale on a street in Washington, D.C.

A wave to the crowd

President-elect Joe Biden waves as he and his wife Jill disembark a plane at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on January 19, 2021.

On patrol

Members of the National Guard gather near the U.S. Capitol on January 19, the day before the 59th inaugural ceremony for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

Memorial service

President-elect Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, listen as Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, speaks at a COVID-19 memorial service at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C, on January 19, 2021, to honor the lives of those lost to the pandemic.

Solemn speech

President-elect Joe Biden delivers remarks at a memorial service for the 400,000 Americans who have died of COVID-19 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on January 19, 2021.

Memorial service

President-elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill look out at lights placed around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool during a COVID-19 memorial service on January 19, 2021.

Capitol framed by flags

U.S. flags are seen in the early morning as preparations continue for the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on January 20, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. 

Resting up

U.S. National Guard members sit on the pavement in central Washington, D.C. 

Street art

A man walks past an artist painting portraits of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on a street in Mumbai, India, ahead of their inauguration on January 20, 2021. Harris's mother was born in India and she will be the first person of South Asian American descent to serve as vide president.

Marine Band rehearsal

Master Gunnery Sargent Matthew Harding, a trumpet player with "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, during a rehearsal for the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on January 19, 2021

Flags on the National Mall

The National Mall in Washington, D.C. is filled with American flags on January 19, 2021, ahead of Inauguration Day.

Stage is set

A view of the empty stage the day before the 59th presidential inauguration on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. 

Display of lights

Lights surround the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, placed as a memorial to COVID-19 victims on January 19, 2021, in Washington, D.C., with the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol in the background.

Memorial lights

Lights surround the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, placed as a memorial to COVID-19 victims, on January 19, 2021, in Washington, D.C., with the Washington Monument in the distance.

Flags at sunset

The sun sets behind the Washington Monument, with a "Field of Flags" spread across the National Mall in the foreground, on January 19, 2021, as seen from the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on the evening ahead of the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

Honor guard

Members of the military honor guard practice ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden at the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021.

Emotional farewell

One day before being inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States, Joe Biden becomes emotional as he delivers farewell remarks to his home state at the Major Joseph R. "Beau" Biden III National Guard/Reserve Center January 19, 2021 in New Castle, Delaware. 

The reserve center is named for his late son Beau Biden, who served as the state's attorney general and as a major in the National Guard before dying of brain cancer at age 46 in 2015.