Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration, fact-checked

It was an inauguration like none before, squeezed between massive security and a pandemic that has killed over 400,000 Americans.

Instead of crowds, a sea of American and state flags filled the National Mall in Washington.

Armed National Guardsmen replaced cheering supporters along Pennsylvania Avenue, the traditional parade route from the Capitol to the White House.

Instead of 200,000 guests, a scant 1,000 — seated in pairs of folding chairs placed at least 6 feet apart — watched in person as President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris swore to uphold the Constitution.