Biden’s Sunday inauguration rehearsal postponed due to security concerns: report

President elect Joe bidenJoe BidenCotton: Senate lacks power to hold impeachment trial once Trump steps down Marjorie Taylor Greene says she will present articles of impeachment against Biden’s acting director ICE resigns weeks after entering in functionThe opening rehearsal scheduled for Sunday has been postponed due to security concerns, two people familiar with the matter told Politico. Thursday evening.

Both sources told Politico that the rehearsal has been postponed until Monday.

The Hill has contacted Biden’s transition team for confirmation and comment.

Security around the Capitol intensified significantly in the days leading up to Biden’s inauguration on January 20, which followed the violent attacks on the Capitol building last week.

More than 20,000 National Guard troops are expected to be deployed to help secure the event, according to Politico. The FBI has warned that the potential for armed protests is high both in the U.S. capital and across the country.

In a briefing with Vice President Pence on Thursday, FBI Director Christopher Wray said the agency was witnessing an “extensive” amount of discussion online about the potential violence surrounding Biden’s inauguration.

“We are concerned about the potential for violence at multiple protests and rallies planned here in Washington DC and at state capital buildings across the country in the coming days that could bring armed individuals near the buildings. government officials and officials, ”he said.

Biden’s team also canceled a scheduled Amtrak trip from Wilmington, Del., To Washington on Monday due to security concerns, Politico reported.

Public and private entities have taken steps to prepare for Biden’s inauguration.

Several airlines have announced that they will ban firearms in checked baggage on flights to Washington at the time of the inauguration. More than a dozen DC metro stations will also be closed around the Capitol and National Mall before and after the grand opening.

A pro-Trump riot group stormed the Capitol on Jan.6 to bar Congress from certifying Biden’s 2020 Electoral College victory. Crowds smashed windows, vandalized lawmakers’ offices and forced members of the Congress to evacuate the chambers of the House and the Senate.

The attack left five people dead, including a Capitol Hill policeman who had served in the force for 12 years before sustaining injuries during the riots.