President Donald Trump on Monday approved an emergency declaration for Washington DC ahead of the inauguration of President Joe Biden, amid fears of possible violence following the deadly riot in the US capital last week.
Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser asked for the statement in a Sunday letter to Trump days after a mob stormed the Capitol and violently clashed with authorities, while lawmakers confirmed the victory of Biden’s Electoral College. The statement runs from Monday to January 24th.
Trump’s order authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide assistance for emergency operations.
QUICK FACTS
- Security issues have escalated over the inauguration amid reports that armed extremists are arranging for more action after the attack last week.
- The FBI has warned that all 50 capitals may see protests before, on or after the inauguration day.
“Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide the necessary equipment and resources at its discretion to mitigate the effects of the emergency,” the statement said. “Emergency protection measures, limited to direct federal aid, are provided at 100 percent federal funding.”
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