WASHINGTON — The National Mall could be closed to the public on Inauguration Day, according to two federal officials in different agencies, but the issue is still being discussed with President-elect Joe Biden's inaugural committee. The discussion comes amid threats of violence from right-wing extremists and after the Biden inaugural committee decided to make most of the day's celebrations virtual because of the coronavirus pandemic. A fence surrounds portions of the National Mall in Washington, on Jan. 12, 2021, as preparations are made for Inauguration Day. NBC NewsThe Joint Inaugural Committee had already announced that it would not be issuing tickets this year for people to attend closer to the ceremony. The pop-music artists Jennifer Lopez and Lady Gaga are also set to perform, the committee announced Thursday.
