Inauguration Day: CO National Guard Deployed To State Capitol

DENVER, CO — Gov. Jared Polis has deployed the Colorado National Guard to both our state Capitol and the U.S. Capitol for Inauguration Day.

Joe Biden is set to be sworn in as the 46th president of the United States at 10 a.m. MST, and the national guard members will be on standby at our state's Capitol.

The FBI warned of armed marches at every statehouse ahead of and on Inauguration Day; however, only a small group of protesters showed up at the state Capitol Sunday.

Colorado State Patrol, which guards our Capitol, said it has ramped up security.

"We have been monitoring events on the national level and will continue to monitor for possible events in Colorado," the agency said in a statement issued Jan. 12.

"We support all those who plan to peaceably assemble in order to exercise their first amendment rights."

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At least 200 members of the Colorado National Guard have been sent to the U.S. Capitol. The Washington, D.C. National Guard made the request for personnel after the deadly insurrection Jan. 6.

"Colorado will proudly do our part, joining 40 other states across our great nation in sending members of our National Guard to the nation's capital for our country's upcoming Presidential inauguration on January 20th," Polis said in a statement.

"The presence of the Colorado National Guard and others will help ensure our nation's capital and all Americans in attendance including those who call it home and members of our federal government are safe and protected during this peaceful transition of power that has occurred in our country for hundreds of years."

The inauguration ceremony will be held on the U.S. Capitol’s West Front, but attendance will be minimal due to the pandemic. Biden and Kamala Harris will then participate in an inspection of troops from all service branches on the Capitol’s East Front.

The traditional inaugural parade has been replaced with a virtual "parade across America."

President Donald Trump has tweeted that he won't attend his successor's inauguration; however outgoing Vice President Mike Pence says he will attend.