Even before last week's attack on the U.S. Capitol, President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration was going to buck tradition.

Next Wednesday, there won't be a crowd gathered on the National Mall to see Biden take his oath of office or hear his first presidential address. People won't line Pennsylvania Avenue between the Capitol and the White House, cheering and waving flags as he and incoming first lady Jill Biden parade past. And revelers won't don formal attire for one or many balls, partying into the wee hours of the morning.