In a historic inauguration, Kamala Harris was sworn in on Wednesday as the vice president of the United States.
Why it matters: Harris is the first woman, Black American and Indian American to serve as vice president in U.S. history. In addition to serving as Biden's No. 2, she will act as a critical tie-breaking vote in the 50-50 Senate.
Details: Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court justice, administered the oath of office to Harris using a bible once belonging to Thurgood Marshall, the first Black Supreme Court justice.
- Eugene Goodman, the officer who helped fend off a pro-Trump mob at the Capitol, escorted Harris into the ceremony. He is now serving as the acting deputy Sergeant-at-Arms in the U.S. Senate.
Background: The inauguration was held on the west front of the U.S. Capitol, just two weeks after the deadly siege that left five people dead.
- President Trump did not attend the inauguration and left Washington early in the morning in Air Force One to Florida.
- Former Vice President Mike Pence did attend the ceremony.