PHOTOS: Inauguration Day 2021
WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - The inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is set to be a historic one with the COVID-19 pandemic and threats to the Capitol playing a vital role in the preparation.
Inauguration Day 2021 will look very different than previous years with many events going virtual and security concerns closing the National Mall and surrounding areas.
Take a look below!
(This story will be continuously updated through Inauguration Day.)
INAUGURATION DAY 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES - JANUARY 21, 2021: A worker takes away a barrier tape outside the Capitol Building after the inauguration ceremony for US President-elect Joe Biden and US Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Yegor Aleyev/TASS (Photo b
A woman reads a local newspaper which front page displays the news on the inauguration of US President Joe Biden, in Bogota on January on 21, 2021. (Photo by Juan BARRETO / AFP) (Photo by JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images)
US President Joe Biden speaks during the "Celebrating America" inaugural program at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2021, after being sworn in at the US Capitol earlier in the day. (Photo by JOSHUA ROBERTS / POOL / AFP) (Photo
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: U.S. President Joe Biden prepares to sign a series of executive orders at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office just hours after his inauguration on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. Biden became the 46th president of th
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden wave as they arrive at the North Portico of the White House, on January 20, 2021, in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration ceremony Joe Biden became the 46th preside
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and husband Doug Emhoff arrive at the Eisenhower Executive building after walking the abbreviated parade route after U.S. President Joe Biden's inauguration on January 20, 2021 in Washing
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: President Joe Biden talks with DC Mayor Muriel Bowser as he and and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden walk along Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House during Inaugural celebrations on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Members of a marching band walk the abbreviated parade route in front of the White House following the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. Biden became the 46th president of the
ARLINGTON, VA - JANUARY 20: U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris attend a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after the 59th Presidential Inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol J
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: President Joe Biden waves to Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff as he departs for Arlington National Cemetery following his inauguration ceremony on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Janu
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: US President Joe Biden signs three documents including an Inauguration declaration, cabinet nominations and sub-cabinet noinations, as US Vice President Kamala Harris (R) watches in the Presidents Room following the 59th
WASHINGTON, USA - JANUARY 20: Police officers stand guard as supporters of Joe Biden gather outside the Capitol building during the inauguration of Joe Biden as US President in Washington, DC, United States on January 20, 2021. (Photo by Tayfun Cosku
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 20: Women’s rights activist Emiliana Guereca, who was born in Mexico, holds her hand over her heart during the Pledge of Allegiance as she hosts a remote inauguration watch party from her home on January 20, 2021 in
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Newly sworn in U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris hugs her husband Doug Emhoff during the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During t
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: First Lady Dr. Jill Biden embraces U.S. President Joe Biden after he delivered his inaugural address on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration ceremony Joe Bi
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman speaks at the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Garth Brooks performs at the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th president
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: U.S. President Joe Biden speaks to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) during his inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration ceremony Jo
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Edwina Rose from California fights back tears while listening to U.S. President Joe Biden's inauguration speech on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. (Ph
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Joe Biden is sworn in as U.S. President during his inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of the
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Lady Gaga sings the National Anthem at the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: U.S. President-elect Joe Biden and Jill Biden arrive at his Biden's inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: U.S. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and husband Doug Emhoff arrive to the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inau
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts arrives to the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration cerem
US Senator Bernie Sanders arrives for the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th US President on January 20, 2021, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY / AFP) (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh and U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett arrive at the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Vice President Mike Pence arrives at the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes t
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Former U.S. President George W. Bush and Laura Bush arrive to the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration cer
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rosario Dawson arrive the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration ceremony Joe Bi
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: (L-R) Doug Emhoff, U.S. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Jill Biden and President-elect Joe Biden wave as they arrive on the East Front of the U.S. Capitol for the inauguration on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. Du
Former US President Barack Obama, and former First lady Michele Obama arrive for the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th US President on January 20, 2021, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. (Photo by Melina Mara / POOL / AFP) (Photo by MELINA MAR
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Sen. Ted Cruz (C) (R-TX), wearing a face mask that reads "Come and Take It", arrives to the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. Durin
Former US First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) and Former US President Bill Clinton (R) arrives for the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th US President on January 20, 2021, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. (Photo by Melina Mar
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) arrives at the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes
US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (R) arrives for the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th US President on January 20, 2021, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. (Photo by JIM LO SCALZO / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JIM LO SCALZO/POOL/AFP via Getty Ima
The US Marine band performs before Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th US President on January 20, 2021, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Image
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Nominee for Secretary of Defense retired U.S. Army General Lloyd Austin (R) and nominee for Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland arrive for the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on the West Front of the U.S.
WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES - JANUARY 20, 2021: A woman holds a Joe Biden toy figure outside the Capitol Building. The inauguration ceremony for US President-elect Joe Biden and US Vice President-elect Kamala Harris takes place in Washigton, D.C.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: U.S. President-elect Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden attend services at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle with Congressional leaders prior the 59th Presidential Inauguration ceremony on January 20, 2021 in Washington,
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Marine One flies by the Washington Monument as President Donald Trump departs Washington DC on the morning of the 59th Presidential Inauguration ceremonies on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Building on Wednesday, Jan.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Marine One as they depart the White House on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. President Trump is making his scheduled departure from the White House for Florida
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump prepare to depart the White House on Marine One on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. Trump is making his scheduled departure from the White House for Florida, several
MORE: Trump departs White House in final hours of presidency
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: The U.S. Capitol and stage are lit at sunrise ahead of the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden on January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. During today's inauguration ceremony Joe Biden becomes the 46th president of
President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris kicked off inaugural events in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday with a lighting ceremony to honor the more than 400,000 Americans who have died during the coronavirus pandemic.
(L-R) Douglas Emhoff, U.S. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, Dr. Jill Biden and U.S. President-elect Joe Biden look down the National Mall as lamps are lit to honor the nearly 400,000 American victims of the coronavirus pandemic at the Lincoln Memo
PREPARATIONS IN DC
Nearly 200,000 U.S. flags now cover part of the National mall to represent the American people who are unable to travel to D.C. for the inauguration of the 46th president.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 19: A view of the National Mall ahead of the inaugural ceremony for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on January 19, 2021 in Washington, DC. The inauguration will take place on January 20. (Phot
READ MORE: DC’s National Mall lit up with ‘Field of Flags’ ahead of ‘unprecedented’ inauguration
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 18: The Honor Guard arrives at the East Front of the US Capitol during the dress rehearsal for the Inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on January 18, 2021 in Washington, DC. The inauguration will take place on January 2
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 18: Members of the military pass the East Front of the US Capitol during the dress rehearsal for the Inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on January 18, 2021 in Washington, DC. The inauguration will take place on January
LIVE UPDATES: Inauguration Day 2021 in DC
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 18: The U.S Capitol Building is prepared for the inaugural ceremonies for President-elect Joe Biden as American flags are placed in the ground on the National Mall on January 18, 2021 in Washington, DC. The approximately 191,
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 15: Pennsylvania Avenue is empty between the White House and U.S. Capitol building on January 15, 2021 in Washington, DC. Due to security threats following last week's storming of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob, law enfo
Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and Weather
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 15: Independence Avenue is virtually empty on January 15, 2021 in Washington, DC. Due to security threats following last week's storming of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob, law enforcement agencies have increased security
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 15: A temporary staging location for workers making the preparations for next weeks inauguration ceremony on the National Mall on January 15, 2021 in Washington, DC. Due to security threats following the January 6th pro-Trump
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INAUGURATION DAY IN DC
The stage for the Presidential Inauguration is prepared outside the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 17: Signs reading "2021 Biden Harris Inauguration" can be seen within the expanded protective perimeter around the White House on January 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. As a result of last week's riot at the U.S. Capitol, increa
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 14: Biden-Harris Inauguration merchandise is displayed at a store in Union Station on January 14, 2021 in Washington, DC. Due to security concerns, the National Mall will be closed on Inauguration Day, as people are encourage
SECURITY MEASURES
Officials have boosted the number of National Guard members deployed in Washington, D.C., to 25,000 -- an increase of 25 percent.
Guard members have fanned out across the U.S. Capitol lawn, inside the building and in surrounding areas of D.C. for days. It's an unprecedented security force, deemed necessary in the wake of a deadly riot at the Capitol and continuing threats of domestic terrorism.
At least 7,000 National Guard troops from dozens of states are already on the ground in the nation's capital, with more expected to arrive in coming days.
The military security force will be more than three times the total number of U.S. troops currently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 19: A view of the the Supreme Court ahead of the inaugural ceremony for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on January 19, 2021 in Washington, DC. The inauguration will take place on January 20. (
WASHINGTON, DC, USA - JANUARY 19: Security measures are taken around Capitol building by National Guard soldiers on the day before the inauguration ceremonies for President-elect Joe Biden, in Washington, D.C., United States, on January 19, 2021. (Ph
WASHINGTON, DC, USA - JANUARY 19: Security measures are taken around Capitol building on the day before the inauguration ceremonies for President-elect Joe Biden, in Washington, D.C., United States, on January 19, 2021. (Photo by Mostafa Bassim/Anado
MORE COVERAGE: Inauguration Day 2021
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 15: Razor wire is seen after being installed on the fence surrounding the grounds of the U.S. Capitol on January 15, 2021 in Washington, DC. Due to security threats following last week's storming of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 17: People pass through a checkpoint on 14th Street NW and I Street NW as workers put up new barriers on January 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. After last week's riots at the U.S. Capitol Building, the FBI has warned of addition
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 15: A group of National Guard soldiers patrol the inner perimeter around the U.S. Capitol on January 15, 2021 in Washington, DC. Due to security threats following last week's storming of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob, l
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 17: Virginia National Guard soldiers on the east front of the U.S. Capitol on January 17, 2021 in Washington, DC. After last week's riots at the U.S. Capitol Building, the FBI has warned of additional threats in the nation's
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 15: Maj. Gen. John Rhodes talks to National Guard soldiers before their guard shifts at the U.S. Capitol building on January 15, 2021 in Washington, DC. Due to security threats following last week's storming of the U.S. Capit
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 12: U.S. National Guard troops stand guard at the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. The Pentagon is deploying as many as 15,000 National Guard troops to protect President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration on Ja
Members of the National Guard stand across the street near the Senate office buildings with the U.S. Captiol in the background as heightened security measures are put in place around the U.S. Capitol Building a day after a pro-Trump mob broke into th (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Virginia National Guard soldiers arrive at the east front of the U.S. Capitol on January 16, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)