Congress to certify Trump’s victory amid tight security

Jan 6 2025 - U.S. Congress will gather on Monday to certify Donald Trump’s victory in the November 2024 presidential election. Vice President Kamala Harris, who was defeated by Trump, will oversee the certification of election results from all 50 states.

While traditionally a formality, the certification has taken on greater significance in the wake of the January 2021 Capitol riot. Supporters of Trump stormed the Capitol in an effort to overturn Joe Biden's election victory, injuring over 140 police officers and causing extensive damage to the building.

To prevent a repeat of those scenes, heightened security measures have been implemented around the Capitol complex. Metal barriers have been put up, and authorities are on alert for any potential disruptions.

Speaking on Sunday, President Joe Biden described the events of January 6, 2021, as “one of the darkest days in American history” and stressed the importance of a peaceful transfer of power. He also criticized Trump’s false claims that he won the election, calling them “a real threat to democracy.”

More than 1,500 individuals have been charged in connection with the riot. Trump, who is set to be sworn in on January 20, has vowed to pardon those involved in the attack.