Joe Biden's Inauguration Day was unlike any other in history. The attendance numbers surrounding the event is always a hot topic for the national media. Every President-elect loves to tout how crowded their inauguration was. President Biden has nothing to add to that conversation. His inauguration was empty for another reason.
On January 6th, 2021, a mob of Trump loyalists stormed the US Capitol, sparking a national security threat around the country. Subsequently, most federal buildings were closed leading up to the inauguration after far-right nationalists threatened more violence.
Washington D.C. was hastily transformed into an occupied state. 25,000 National Guardsmen from all 50 states were mustered to the nation's capital. Metal security fences were set up into a maze all around the city. Citizens were unable to walk one block in the city center without having to go through a military checkpoint.
The nation was prepared for the worst.
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An intersection at 18th and H St. is desolate on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Washington D.C. Many of the streets in the nations capital were abandoned during the inauguration aside from journalists and your occasional jogger.
An intersection at 18th and H St. is desolate on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Washington...READ ON
An intersection at 18th and H St. is desolate on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Washington D.C. Many of the streets in the nations capital were abandoned during the inauguration aside from journalists and your occasional jogger.
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Two National Guardsmen patrol the Lincoln Memorial on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, in Washington D.C. The National Guard were a common sight at most of the federal buildings and monuments.
Two National Guardsmen patrol the Lincoln Memorial on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, in...READ ON
Two National Guardsmen patrol the Lincoln Memorial on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, in Washington D.C. The National Guard were a common sight at most of the federal buildings and monuments.
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Flowers hang from a security fence outside Lafayette Park on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Washington D.C. The fences went around the entire perimeter of the National Mall.
Flowers hang from a security fence outside Lafayette Park on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in...READ ON
Flowers hang from a security fence outside Lafayette Park on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Washington D.C. The fences went around the entire perimeter of the National Mall.
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A "wanted" information sign flashes on a digital screen on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Washington D.C. The city was on high alert after the January 6th insurrection.
A "wanted" information sign flashes on a digital screen on Sunday, Jan. 17,...READ ON
A "wanted" information sign flashes on a digital screen on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Washington D.C. The city was on high alert after the January 6th insurrection.
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A National Guardsmen stands guard outside of the Capitol on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Washington D.C. 25,000 National Guardsmen and Guardswomen were deployed to the nation's capital for the inauguration.
A National Guardsmen stands guard outside of the Capitol on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in...READ ON
A National Guardsmen stands guard outside of the Capitol on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Washington D.C. 25,000 National Guardsmen and Guardswomen were deployed to the nation's capital for the inauguration.
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National Guardsmen walk across a cross-walk during a shift change on Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, in Washington D.C.
National Guardsmen walk across a cross-walk during a shift change on Monday, Jan. 18,...READ ON
National Guardsmen walk across a cross-walk during a shift change on Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, in Washington D.C.
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A pedestrian walks by a military checkpoint on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Washington D.C. Civilians were encouraged to stay away from the area around the Capitol.
A pedestrian walks by a military checkpoint on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Washington D.C....READ ON
A pedestrian walks by a military checkpoint on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Washington D.C. Civilians were encouraged to stay away from the area around the Capitol.
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National Guardsmen walk towards the National Mall during a shift change on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in Washington D.C.
National Guardsmen walk towards the National Mall during a shift change on Tuesday, Jan....READ ON
National Guardsmen walk towards the National Mall during a shift change on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in Washington D.C.
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A National Park Service Ranger stands guard near the Capitol grounds on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Washington D.C.
A National Park Service Ranger stands guard near the Capitol grounds on Sunday, Jan. 17,...READ ON
A National Park Service Ranger stands guard near the Capitol grounds on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Washington D.C.
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A woman holds a Biden 2020 flag just outside the inauguration Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington D.C. Around a hundred people gathered on the north side of the Capitol for the event. An audience was not allowed inside the National Mall for security reasons and COVID-19.
A woman holds a Biden 2020 flag just outside the inauguration Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021,...READ ON
A woman holds a Biden 2020 flag just outside the inauguration Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington D.C. Around a hundred people gathered on the north side of the Capitol for the event. An audience was not allowed inside the National Mall for security reasons and COVID-19.
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Two National Guard troops petrol the Washington Monument on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, in Washington D.C. Parts of the National Mall were opened the day after the inauguration.
Two National Guard troops petrol the Washington Monument on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, in...READ ON
Two National Guard troops petrol the Washington Monument on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, in Washington D.C. Parts of the National Mall were opened the day after the inauguration.
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A boy does a wheelie past a Police cruiser at the Black Lives Matter Plaza on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in Washington D.C.
A boy does a wheelie past a Police cruiser at the Black Lives Matter Plaza on Tuesday,...READ ON
A boy does a wheelie past a Police cruiser at the Black Lives Matter Plaza on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, in Washington D.C.
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A Back Lives Matter flag waves near the White House on the Black Lives Matter Plaza on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Washington D.C.
A Back Lives Matter flag waves near the White House on the Black Lives Matter Plaza on...READ ON
A Back Lives Matter flag waves near the White House on the Black Lives Matter Plaza on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in Washington D.C.
Joe Biden's Inauguration Day was unlike any other in history. The attendance numbers surrounding the event is always a hot topic for the national media. Every President-elect loves to tout how crowded their inauguration was. President Biden has nothing ...
