NORFOLK, Va. - It's been nearly a week after rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol building.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam is joining Maryland's governor and Washington, D.C.'s mayor, urging people not to come to the Capitol for President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration and to instead take part virtually.
“January 6, 2021 is now a seminal moment in American history. We are grateful for the courageous efforts of every law enforcement officer, Guard member, and first responder who heroically worked to secure the Capitol and ensure our nation’s democracy prevailed.
On January 20, there will be a transition of power, and we will work together, and with our partners in the federal government, to ensure the safety of the National Capital Region. 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.
In this very trying time, January 6 was a dark moment for our nation. But we know that we will get through this period because American ideals are stronger than one extreme ideology. Together, we will overcome extremism and get back to the work of our residents."
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein said his office is helping federal authorities.
“I personally have received dozens [of tips] on social media,” Stein told News 3. “We've received dozens and dozens, which we're then sharing with the FBI.”
Stein is calling on anyone who recognizes North Carolinians who may have committed crimes in last week’s raid to contact the FBI.
“What happened is the folks just filed out of the Capitol building, and returned to their hometowns across the country, and many of them posted on social media before the assault, during the assault and after the assault. So, there's all kinds of evidence out there,” he said. “If you see someone on your Facebook page who claims to have participated in this unlawful insurrection and assault, they need to be held accountable.”
