Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only members of congress and their guests were allowed to attend the inauguration, a ceremony that usually attracts ten of thousands of attendees. President Trump, breaking with tradition, did not attend Biden’s inauguration. Vice President Mike Pence was in attendance, along with former presidents Bush, Clinton and Obama (this is the first inauguration Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter have missed since 1977).

Biden’s inauguration took place exactly two weeks after the violent riot at the U.S. Capitol that left five people dead, including a police officer. President Trump was quickly impeached a week later for “incitement of insurrection.” Ten republicans joined Democrats in voting to impeach the president. Trump became the first president in history to be impeached twice. Most adults—including 96% of Democrats—believe Trump deserves blame for the attempted insurrection on the U.S. Capitol, according to a recent NewsHour-Marist Poll.

The bolstered security at the inauguration in response to the January 6 attack was apparent. About 20,000 members of the National Guard, including at least 200 from Colorado, were deployed to Washington to provide extra security for the ceremony.

There were still some performances, despite the added precautions. Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and Garth Brooks all performed on Wednesday.