Capitol Resembles Armed Camp as Troops Flow In: Inaugural Update

(Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Capitol has heightened security one week out from inauguration. And the event will get some high-powered celebrity help.

There are seven days until Joe Biden’s inauguration.

Capitol Has Heightened Security One Week Out

The U.S. Capitol resembled an armed camp as lawmakers prepared to vote on impeaching President Donald Trump, with soldiers bearing rifles standing an arm’s-length apart around the building that was attacked last week.

Roads around the Capitol complex in Washington were closed, with military units at street corners and heavy trucks blocking some streets. Many of the usual entry points to the Capitol were blocked off, funneling people to closely watched doors.

Scores of National Guard personnel had slept on the floor of the Capitol Visitor Center, which before the pandemic was usually crowded with tourists and school groups awaiting a tour.

With ongoing threats of possible attacks, the U.S. Secret Service began what it calls National Special Security Event operations for the 2021 Inauguration today, rather than the earlier scheduled date one day before the Jan. 20 inauguration. -- Todd Shields

Tom Hanks to Host Biden-Harris TV Special (9:45 a.m.)

Actor Tom Hanks will headline a prime-time television event to celebrate his inauguration next Wednesday as the Biden team looks to replace the traditional balls with at-home entertainment.

Performing will be singers Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato, Ant Clemons and Jon Bon Jovi, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced.

The 90-minute special, called “Celebrating America,” will air on major broadcast networks and streaming services beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20.

It replaces the inaugural balls that have been a fixture in Washington’s social scene since President James Madison’s inauguration in 1809.

Biden’s Presidential Inaugural Committee canceled those events because of the coronavirus pandemic, and security concerns are also a factor in downsizing inaugural events following last week’s deadly riot at the Capitol. -- Gregory Korte

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