Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday, bringing to an end an election season unlike any in the country's history.
Biden's path to the presidency included an improbable comeback following two humiliating defeats in the Democratic primary, a bitter campaign disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and months-long protests against police brutality, several days of delayed election results and a transition marred by violence from his successor's supporters.
Despite the challenges, Biden will take the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol at noon ET. Wednesday's inauguration ceremony will take place in front of an empty National Mall due to the COVID-19 pandemic and threats of violence.
SEE LIVE UPDATES FROM THE DAY'S EVENTS BELOW
UPDATE, 11:33 ET: Father Leo J. O’Donovan delivered the invocation before the swearing-in ceremony.
UPDATE, 11:23 ET: Sen. Amy Klobuchar was the first to speak at the inauguration and referenced the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
"When an angry, violent mob staged an insurrection and desecrated this temple of our democracy, it awaken us to our responsibilities as Americans," said Klobuchar. "This is the day when our democracy picks itself up, brushes off the dust and does what America always does — goes forward"
UPDATE, 11:20 ET: President-elect Joe Biden and future first lady Dr. Jill Biden arrived at the balcony of the capitol ahead of the swearing-in ceremony.
UPDATE, 11:13 ET: Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, arrived at the balcony of the U.S. capitol and were greeted with cheers before the beginning of the ceremony.
UPDATE, 11 ET: Arrivals are nearly complete at the U.S. Capitol ahead of the swearing-in ceremony. Among those announced over the PA system include former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, as well as the families of both Biden and Harris.
Vice President Mike Pence is also in attendance. He chose to attend despite the absence of President Donald Trump.
UPDATE, 10:30 ET: President-elect Joe Biden and vice-president elect Kamala Harris have arrived at the U.S. Capitol for the inauguration.
Their arrival came as several media outlets reported a bombed threat had been called into the Supreme Court building, which is located just blocks from the Capitol. The Supreme Court building was no evacuated.
UPDATE, 9 a.m. ET: Donald Trump has boarded Air Force One and has left Washington, D.C. for the last time as president.
In an address at Joint Base Andrews, Trump briefly shared what he felt were his administration's top accomplishments. He also spoke directly to the American people.
"We will never stop fighting for you. I will be watching, and I'll be back in some way," Trump said.
He also wished the "incoming administration" the best of luck, but did not refere to president-elect Joe Biden by name.
First lady Melania Trump also addressed the nation.
"Being your first lady was my greatest honor...you will be in prayers," she said. "God bless you all, God bless your families."
The Trumps will fly to Florida and arrive at Mar-a-Lago later today.
UPDATE, 8 a.m. ET: President Donald Trump is preparing to leave the White House for the final time of his term.
Marine One will take Trump to Joint Base Andrrews, where he's expected to deliver an address before boarding Air Force One. He's expected to arrive in Florida later today at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach.
Trump's decision to not attend Biden's inauguration breaks with longstanding precedent that typically signifies a peaceful transfer of power. Trump will be one of just a handful of presidents not to attend the inauguration ceremony of his elected successor.
Upon leaving the White House for the last time, Trump called it a "great honor" to serve as president and said that he "loved" the American people.
