President-elect Joe Biden’s team says he has been briefed by senior officials about potential threats during his inauguration and the safeguards being put in place.
The transition team noted the briefing in a Wednesday statement that comes exactly one week before Biden is set to take the oath of office and one week after a mob laid siege to the Capitol building, where he will be sworn in.
“Today, President-elect Biden received a briefing from senior officials at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and key members of his national security team,” the statement read. “The team is engaging with the current administration to gain as much information as possible on the threat picture, and on the preparations being put in place to deter and defend against violent disruptions or attacks.”
It added: “The incoming team is also focused on laying the groundwork for a smooth handoff in power that will ensure continuous command and control across the homeland security and law enforcement components of the U.S. government.”
There have been security concerns surrounding Biden’s inauguration after last Wednesday’s siege of the Capitol, which caused the deaths of several people. Acting D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee said Wednesday that as many as 20,000 National Guard troops may be in town for the transition of power.
President Trump, who became the first president in U.S. history to be impeached twice on Wednesday, said he would not attend the inauguration, but Vice President Mike Pence is expected to attend the ceremony. Trump, who was deplatformed from most social media, called for peace after the violence occurred in the nation’s capital and released a statement saying as much.
“In light of reports of more demonstrations, I urge that there must be NO violence, NO lawbreaking and NO vandalism of any kind,” the president said on Wednesday. “That is not what I stand for and it is not what America stands for. I call on ALL Americans to help ease tensions and calm tempers. Thank You.”