DC authorities to close the National Mall for inauguration

The closures likely stem from both the Capitol Hill riot as well as concerns about COVID contagion, which has been a major talking point for the incoming administration.

The Capitol Hill riot of Jan. 6, where the Capitol building was stormed by an angry mob intent on disrupting the certification of the Electoral College votes for President-elect Joe Biden.

Any effort to completely close the Mall down will have to include officials from the National Parks Department, as the area is under their jurisdiction per its classification as a National Park.

The Mall includes within its boundaries national treasures like the Smithsonian Museum and the National Gallery of art, and stretches from the Capitol itself all the way to the Washington Monument, a mile away.

If the closure is put into effect, it will mark the first inaugural occasion where a crowd will not be present to greet the new President of the United states.

Considering the huge turnout for the past few inaugurations, this would represent a marked change in tone for the inauguration. The Biden transition team has said the inauguration would be an understated affair, with performances from Hollywood celebrities and entertainers.