Move aimed at keeping people away from US Capitol comes after mayor calls for the public to stay home during presidential transition

In striking letter to forces as National Guard deploys in Washington, Joint Chiefs of Staff say freedom of speech does not allow for 'violence, sedition and insurrection'

State Department says top US diplomat will forgo visit to Brussels to help ensure a 'smooth and orderly transition' for the Biden administration

US House Democratsreportedly briefed on 3 separate plans by insurrectionists, one of which would see thousands besiege Capitol; 15,000 National Guard members to be deployed

Muriel Bowser asks for broad coordination and a 'pre-disaster declaration' following deadly storming of US Capitol

US president-elect calls Trump 'unfit' but doesn't endorse impeachment; says Trump skipping inauguration a 'good thing' and 'one of the few things he and I have ever agreed on'

First incumbent US president to skip his successor's swearing-in since Andrew Johnson in 1869; traditional joint appearance meant as symbol of peaceful transfer of power