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Hogan, VA governor, DC mayor urge Americans not to attend inauguration

Capitol Hill Capitol Building Capitol Dome
Posted at 4:48 PM, Jan 11, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-11 16:50:03-05

ANNAPOLIS — 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 on Jan. 20.

Their call covered recent requests by D.C. to the federal government, and the leaders discussed the need for enhanced planning and preparation compared to previous inaugurations given the chaos, injury, and death experienced at the United States Capitol during the insurrection on January 6.

The leaders issued a joint statement on Monday saying:

“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.”