RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Mayor Muriel Bowser are urging Americans to stay home and avoid Washington D.C. for President-Elect Joe Biden's inauguration.
The three leaders held a joint call on Monday to discuss plans for the January 20 inauguration.
The leaders discussed the need for enhanced planning and preparation after the deadly insurrection at the United States Capitol on January 6.
They also discussed Bowser's recent request to the federal government, seeking increased security in the wake of the mob insurrection.
Northam says Virginia currently has 2,000 Virginia National Guard members in Washington, D.C. to help protect the U.S. Capitol. He says they will be there as long as needed.
This afternoon, I spoke with @MayorBowser and @GovLarryHogan as we prepare for the upcoming inauguration.
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) January 11, 2021
Virginia currently has 2,000 @VaNationalGuard members in Washington, D.C. to help protect the U.S. Capitol and keep the peace—and we will be there as long as we are needed. pic.twitter.com/0X5OATnOnV
The Mayor and the Governors agreed to urge Americans not to come into Washington, D.C. for the Inauguration and to instead participate virtually.
Northam, Hogan, and Bowser issued a on joint statement:
“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.”
