LOC21:06
18:06 GMT
WASHINGTON, Jan 18 (KUNA) -- The forecast calls for rain and temperatures below 10 degrees Celcius when the 45th President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office on the steps of the US Capitol on Friday, but the itinerary is proceeding as scheduled.
The National Mall and parts of downtown Washington will be cordoned off through "geo-fencing" starting Thursday evening by the Secret Service, and the area will only be accessed on foot by members of the public who want to watch the 58th inauguration and the subsequent parade along Pennsylvania Avenue.
Regardless of the weather, umbrellas are not permitted, the Secret Service said on Wednesday.
The president's protective force is teaming up with multiple federal and local agencies to provide security for the event, where 700,000 to 900,000 spectators are expected to show up, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson said.
More than 28,000 security personnel will be on hand, including more than 7,000 National Guard troops, he revealed.
Thus far, there are "no specific credible threat directed toward the inauguration," Johnson said.
The event will commence at 11:30am local time in Washington.
According to Trump's transition team, he will be sworn in "using his Bible, as well as the same Bible that President [Abraham] Lincoln used at his first inauguration."
The same statement also noted that several religious figures from various Christian denominations will offer readings, as well as a Jewish Rabbi.
Musical performers will include 16-year-old Jackie Evancho, who will sing the national anthem, as well as country star Toby Keith and the rock band 3 Doors Down.
All living former presidents and their spouses are expected to attend, including Trump's former rival Hillary Clinton, but 92-year-old George H. W. Bush said his doctor has advised him to stay home. (end)
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