DC Mayor Muriel Bowser asking Americans not to come to Washington for Inauguration

Loading Video…

This browser does not support the Video element.

Inauguration Day threats

There are new reports that the FBI is warning about armed protests in all 50 state capitals and D.C. ahead of Inauguration Day.

D.C.’s Mayor Muriel Bowser has one request for those thinking about coming to the nation’s capital for President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. Don’t.

On Monday, the mayor and city leaders requested that the public stay away on Jan. 20 citing COVID-19 concerns and the recent attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and Weather

Bowser said she requested a pre-emergency declaration for the District of Columbia ahead of the inauguration and asked that agencies establish a security and federal force deployment plan for all federal property.

Loading Video…

This browser does not support the Video element.

DC officials securing capital before Inauguration day

DC officials are looking at additional security measures leading up to Inauguration Day in the wake of the mayhem that erupted on Capitol Hill last week.

In addition, Bowser is asking for a daily FBI intelligence and threat briefing from Jan. 11 to 24 and has asked the Department of Interior to cancel and/or deny all public gathering permits for the same time period.

More than 90 arrests have been made following the attack on the Capitol and multiple security measures have already taken place to keep visitors off the grounds. 

WATCH: DC officials securing capital before Inauguration day

Mayor Bowser has also declared a public emergency for 15 days following the Capitol riots.

During a joint call to discuss planning for the inauguration, Bowser along with Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam released the following 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, DC 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." 

Loading PDF

To get updates on the Inauguration from the D.C. government, you can text INAUG2021 to 888-777. Updates on public safety, street closures, weather alerts, transit updates and more will be provided.