Joe Biden will officially be sworn in as the 46th president of the United States at noon on 20 January. Despite incumbent President Donald Trump repeatedly urging Vice President Mike Pence not to confirm Biden’s victory in Congress, his long-time ally certified the results of the Electoral College vote on 7 January.
Pence’s announcement came hours after a Senate chamber was occupied by a large group of pro-President Trump protesters.
The US Capitol itself sustained serious damages, as rioters broke windows throughout the building, painted walls, busted in doors, and vandalised offices of lawmakers.
It is yet to be announced how much it will cost to repair the damages.
© AP Photo / John MinchilloDC National Guard stands outside a mostly quiet Capitol, Thursday morning, 7 January 2021 in Washington, as workers put security fencing in place. The House and Senate certified the Biden’s Electoral College win early Thursday after a violent throng of pro-Trump rioters spent hours on Wednesday running through the Capitol. A woman was fatally shot, windows were bashed in, and the mob forced frightened lawmakers and aides to flee the building, protected by Capitol Police.
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© AP Photo / John Minchillo
DC National Guard stands outside a mostly quiet Capitol, Thursday morning, 7 January 2021 in Washington, as workers put security fencing in place. The House and Senate certified the Biden’s Electoral College win early Thursday after a violent throng of pro-Trump rioters spent hours on Wednesday running through the Capitol. A woman was fatally shot, windows were bashed in, and the mob forced frightened lawmakers and aides to flee the building, protected by Capitol Police.
© AFP 2023 / Brendan SmialowskiWorkers clean up near an overrun Capitol Police checkpoint a day after a pro-Trump mob broke into the US Capitol on 7 January 2021, in Washington, DC.
Workers clean up near an overrun Capitol Police checkpoint a day after a pro-Trump mob broke into the US Capitol on 7 January 2021, in Washington, DC.
© REUTERS / Erin ScottA worker cleans a statue of former President Ronald Reagan inside the Rotunda of the US Capitol a day after supporters of US President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in Washington, US, 7 January 2021.
A worker cleans a statue of former President Ronald Reagan inside the Rotunda of the US Capitol a day after supporters of US President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in Washington, US, 7 January 2021.
© REUTERS / Jonathan ErnstWorkers prepare a doorway to hang an inaugural drapery in the Rotunda in the US Capitol in Washington, US. 8 January 2021.
Workers prepare a doorway to hang an inaugural drapery in the Rotunda in the US Capitol in Washington, US. 8 January 2021.
© AFP 2023 / Samuel Corum / Getty ImagesWorkers begin to clean up debris and damages caused by a pro-Trump mob in the US Capitol building on7 January 2021 in Washington, DC.
Workers begin to clean up debris and damages caused by a pro-Trump mob in the US Capitol building on7 January 2021 in Washington, DC.
© AFP 2023 / Brendan SmialowskiWorkers clean the Rotunda a day after a pro-Trump mob broke into the US Capitol on 7 January 2021, in Washington, DC.
Workers clean the Rotunda a day after a pro-Trump mob broke into the US Capitol on 7 January 2021, in Washington, DC.
© AFP 2023 / Brendan SmialowskiWorkers walk while clearing damages a day after a pro-Trump mob broke into the US Capitol on 7 January 2021, in Washington DC.
Workers walk while clearing damages a day after a pro-Trump mob broke into the US Capitol on 7 January 2021, in Washington DC.
© AP Photo / Patrick SemanskyWorkers install a flag on the West Front of the US Capitol as preparations take place for President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, Saturday, 9 January 2021, in Washington.
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© AP Photo / Patrick Semansky
Workers install a flag on the West Front of the US Capitol as preparations take place for President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, Saturday, 9 January 2021, in Washington.
© AFP 2023 / Samuel Corum / GettyWorkers begin to clean up the debris and damages caused by a pro-Trump mob in the US Capitol building on 7 January 2021 in Washington, DC.
Workers begin to clean up the debris and damages caused by a pro-Trump mob in the US Capitol building on 7 January 2021 in Washington, DC.
© REUTERS / Carlos BarriaA worker walks under an American flag flown at half staff at the US Capitol days after supporters of US President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in Washington, US, 8 January 2021.
A worker walks under an American flag flown at half staff at the US Capitol days after supporters of US President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in Washington, US, 8 January 2021.