Don't Come To Biden Inauguration: Maryland, VA, DC Leaders

WASHINGTON, DC — As preparation for the presidential inauguration gets underway, the chief executives of Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia issued a joint statement Monday asking people not to go to the Jan. 20 event in person. They took what they called an "extraordinary step" in encouraging virtual participation.

The leaders cited the Jan. 6 mob at the Capitol and the coronavirus in making their request.

"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," said the statement issued Monday by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam.

Also on Monday, the FBI issued an internal bulletin warning armed protests are being planned at all 50 state capitols, as well as courthouses and administration buildings, between Jan. 16 and 20, and at the nation's capitol from Jan. 17 through Inauguration Day, the Associated Press reported.

Leaders from D.C., Maryland and Virginia said they discussed plans for the inauguration on a call Monday in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 mob at the Capitol, which they described as a "seminal moment in American history."

The Maryland National Guard and Maryland State Police were deployed to assist last week, and Hogan said he extended the guard's mission there through the end of January.

Maryland also "increased security around the Maryland State House complex, since there’s been a number of incidents at state capitols and governors' mansions around the country," Hogan said at a Jan. 7 news conference. “Maryland will do anything and everything we possibly can to continue to secure the core of our nation’s capital, and to ensure the peaceful transition of power."

During the mob, Maryland officers were deployed to help around the U.S. Capitol building.

Mayor Muriel Bowser, who declared a state of emergency in D.C. through the inauguration, sent a letter Sunday to the head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security asking for a more coordinated federal response through the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 20.

Bowser, Hogan and Northam say they are working to ensure the region remains safe.

"In this very trying time, January 6 was a dark moment for our nation," they said. "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."

See Also:

• Hogan Responds To Trump Mob: Bunker Phone Calls, Military Delays
• 80 Arrested For Civil Unrest At US Capitol And Around DC
• Coordinated Security Response Needed For Inauguration: DC Mayor
• Officer Dies From Injuries Suffered During US Capitol Siege
• Trump Mob Attacks Capitol; 4 Deaths; 69 Arrests; FBI Seeks Tips

Here is the full statement from Hogan, Bowser and Northam about inauguration plans:

“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.”

Patch editors Anthony Bellano and Michael O'Connell contributed to this report.