Gov. Larry Hogan has declared a state of emergency ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 20.
Hogan also requested that the White House issue a Presidential Disaster Declaration to reimburse Maryland’s state and local governments for costs they incurred in response to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, as well as for costs they will incur in support of federal and Washington, D.C. partners leading up to the inaugural ceremonies.
Hogan asked the White House to waive the cost share requirement of the Stafford Act due to the inauguration being a federal event and as well as the financial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic that Maryland has experienced.
“The State of Maryland will continue to do everything we possibly can to secure our nation’s capital and to ensure the peaceful transition of power,” Hogan said in a statement. “We did not hesitate to provide critical support during the January 6 insurrection, and will continue to work closely with allied agencies, local governments, and our federal partners to support the Inaugural Ceremonies.”
Under his state of emergency proclamation, Hogan authorized the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and other state agencies to support local jurisdictions with necessary resources and to active their emergency preparedness plans. Other states will also be able to provide assistance to Maryland as part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
Hogan, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on Monday urged residents not to attend the inauguration ceremony.
“Due to the unique circumstances surrounding the 59th Presidential Inauguration, including last week’s violent insurrection as well as the ongoing and deadly COVID-19 pandemic, we are taking the extraordinary step of encouraging Americans not to come to Washington, D.C. and to instead participate virtually,” the leaders said in a joint statement.
However, Hogan said he will be attending the inauguration.
“It will be my honor to attend the inaugural ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol on behalf of the people of Maryland,” he said.
Maryland will have 1,000 Maryland National Guard members in D.C. to help maintain security ahead of the presidential inauguration.
Maryland State Police are also preparing for armed protesters at the State House in Annapolis after the FBI warned of plans for armed protests at all 50 state capitals and in D.C. leading up to the inauguration.
