Northam encourages Virginia residents to not participate in Biden inauguration

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam is urging residents of the Commonwealth to not take part in next week’s inauguration ceremonies for President-elect Joe Biden.

Northam was included in a joint statement along with Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser that urged people to stay home from the events because of safety concerns and the ongoing COVID pandemic.

Virginia public safety leaders are also preparing to increase manpower and police presence in Richmond for the upcoming Lobby Day rallies that could bring thousands to the capital along with protests similar to last week’s insurgent action at the U.S. Capitol that has caused the FBI to send cautionary messages to local governments.

(PHOTO: Associated Press)