President-elect Joe Biden says he does not have concerns about taking the oath of office outdoors after thousands of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Biden was asked if he is “afraid” of taking the oath of office outdoors during his inauguration on January 20.
“No. No, I’m not,” Biden said, adding, “I am not afraid to take the oath outside, and we’ve been getting briefed.”
However, he said, “I think it’s critically important that there be a real serious focus on holding those folks, who engaged in sedition and threatened people’s lives, defaced public property, caused great damage, that they be held accountable. I think that’s a view that’s held by the vast majority of Democrats and Republicans in the Congress.”
Watch the video below:
Reporter: "Sir, are you at all afraid of taking your oath outside given what happened?
— The Hill (@thehill) January 11, 2021
President-elect Joe Biden: "No. No, I'm not." pic.twitter.com/9WkxbBDH3k
Biden’s comments come days after a pro-Trump mob descended on the U.S. Capitol and stormed the building, bringing a screeching halt to Congressional proceedings and leaving five dead.
The FBI has reportedly sent a memo to law enforcement officials throughout the country warning that there may be armed protests at state Capitols beginning on January 16.
Additionally, the law enforcement officials are also reportedly concerned that armed protesters may travel to Washington, D.C., if Congress votes to remove President Donald Trump from office.
Law enforcement officials warn that it is possible armed protests could continue through January 20, when Biden is slated to be sworn in as president.
The breach of the Capitol has sparked concerns about the security measures in place for Biden’s inauguration.
After the security lapse last week, the Capitol has been surrounded by seven-foot-tall fencing.
In a statement, the Secret Service, which is coordinating the security for the inauguration, said, “The safety and security of all those participating in the 59th Presidential Inauguration is of the utmost importance.”
“For well over a year, the U.S. Secret Service, along with our NSSE partners, has been working tirelessly to anticipate and prepare for all possible contingencies at every level to ensure a safe and secure Inauguration Day,” the statement added.
