Joe Biden sworn in as president of the United States

DEVELOPING STORY

Biden takes over from Donald Trump at a moment of deep division in the country, which is reeling from COVID-19.

Joe Biden has been sworn in as president of the United States, entering the White House at a time of deep division in the country.

Raising his right hand and placing his left on a bible, Biden took the oath of office on Wednesday during a scaled-down inauguration due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 400,000 people in the US.

“This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day. A day of history and hope, of renewal and resolve,” Biden said.

“Today we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause – the cause of democracy.”

Vice President Kamala Harris, the first woman and first person of colour to hold the post, was sworn in shortly before Biden.

In an extremely rare move, Biden’s predecessor Donald Trump chose to not attend the ceremony.

More to follow…