Virginia, Maryland, DC leaders urge Americans not to travel for Inauguration

WASHINGTON, (WWBT) - Leaders from Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. are encouraging Americans not to travel to the nation’s Capital for President-elect Joe Biden’s Inauguration and instead ask that people join virtually.

Gov. Ralph Northam, Gov. Larry Hogan and Mayor Muriel Bowser held a joint call on Monday to discuss plans for the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

This afternoon, I spoke with @MayorBowser and @GovLarryHogan as we prepare for the upcoming inauguration.

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
— Governor Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) January 11, 2021

The leaders talked about recent requests by D.C. to the federal government and the need for enhanced preparation following the deadly chaos at the United States Capitol during the insurrection on Jan. 6.

During the call, all three leaders agreed to urge Americans not to attend in person and instead participate virtually.

Northam, Hogan and Bowser released the following 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.”

Virginia currently has 2,000 members of the Virginia National Guard in Washington D.C. to help keep the peace and protect the US Capitol.

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