Biden will take oath outdoors despite security fears as ‘America United’ announced as inauguration theme

‘This inauguration marks a new chapter for the American people,’ Presidential Inaugural Committee says

President-elect Joe Biden has said he will proceed with plans to take his inauguration oath outside amid heightened security concerns for the event following violence at the Capitol last week.

The reassurance comes after pro-Trump supporters breached defences at the Capitol on Wednesday, causing questions have been raised over the safety precautions of the upcoming Inauguration Day on 20 January.

On 6 January, the rioters quickly overwhelmed Capitol police forces and stormed the building, forcing lawmakers to evacuate, with some managing to occupy the scaffolding and bleachers prepped for the inauguration ceremony.

Despite concern over the security implications of the riots, during which five people died, Mr Biden told reporters on Monday that he is “not afraid of taking the oath outside.”

“It is critically important that there’ll be a real serious focus on holding those folks who engaged in sedition and threatening the lives, defacing public property, caused great damage -- that they be held accountable,” he said.

Security officials have also assured that the event will be secure, with extremely tight security around the entire capital region and at least 10,000 National Guard troops in place.

Pushing forward with the preparations, the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) revealed to the Associated Press that the theme for the Inauguration Day will be “America United.”

“This inauguration marks a new chapter for the American people — one of healing, of unifying, of coming together, of an America united,” said PIC CEO Dr Tony Allen.

“It is time to turn the page on this era of division. The inaugural activities will reflect our shared values and serve as a reminder that we are stronger together than we are apart, just as our motto ‘e pluribus unum’ reminds us -- out of many, one.”

However, the PIC and the mayor of Washington DC have urged Americans not to travel to attend the day in person and instead participate in the celebrations virtually.

The Washington Monument has also been closed ahead of the event following continued threats from groups involved in last week's US Capitol riot to disturb the inauguration.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday approved an emergency declaration for Washington DC and directed federal assistance to the nation’s capital in light of the discussions.

In a letter seeking the president’s approval, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said: “Based on recent events and intelligence assessments, we must prepare for large groups of trained and armed extremists to come to Washington DC."

The FBI is also reported to be tracking reports of “various threats to harm” the president-elect, as well as vice president-elect Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ahead of the event, according to a bulletin obtained by CNN.

Mr Trump confirmed on Twitter that he will not be attending the ceremony, but has finally conceded his election defeat and committed to an orderly transfer of power on the day.

Plans for the celebration had already been largely scaled back due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and additional security concerns will likely mean the inauguration will be even more tightly controlled.

To replace the usual celebrations, the inaugural committee announced plans for a major public art display spanning multiple blocks of the National Mall that will feature 191,500 US flags and 56 pillars of light, to represent every US state and territory.

The “Field of Flags” intends to represent “the American people who are unable to travel” to the Capitol to celebrate his swearing-in, according to the committee.

A “virtual parade” showcasing communities across the country will also be televised to replace the traditional inaugural parade as the Biden’s arrive at the White House with a military presidential escort.

Additional reporting by agencies