Feb. 4, 2009
Inauguration Gates
Dan Raby
WASHINGTON, D.C.- For most of the 2 million people who traveled to the National Mall to witness the inauguration of Barack Obama, the event was an enjoyable and exciting moment in history. But it was a different story for many of those who faced frustration and delays as they tried to enter through the Seventh Street Gate.
Seventh Street NW was the location of one of the 13 gates that were designated entrances to the National Mall. The large crowd that arrived at the street saw four shut down security gates, which they expected to open at 7a.m.
Soon 7 a.m. passed, then 8 a.m., then 9 and then 10. When the gates finally did open, police would not let anyone through. The crowd began to get frustrated and angry.
“I don’t know what’s going on,” Emily Sholley said. Sholley, a Washington D.C. native, had reached Seventh Street at 2 a.m. and had waited six and a half hours. “We really have no chance of getting on the Mall if the other gates are open;” she said. “I’d rather they just lie than not tell us anything.”
Sholley chose to stay and wait. Others, like Washington D.C. native David Caulfield decided to leave for home. “I just can’t stand being in the weather anymore. I’d rather watch Obama on my TV,” Caulfield said.
Every few minutes rumors would spread through the crowd. People began getting text messages from DC Alert stating that a water main had broken between the gate and the National Mall. A generator powering the metal-detecting security wands had broken down and police officers were manually checking everyone.
The crowd that a few hours earlier was cheering and waving at every car and helicopter that passed bywas now rife with frustration. The threat of a mad rush at the gates emerged.
Several in the crowd complained about police officers in nearby building pointing and waving at the crowd. At one time the crowd booed and hissed loudly as officers took pictures from the building’s windows.
Caulfield was furious. “[The police are] trying to prevent a riot by not telling us anything,” he said, “but if they keep leaving everyone in the dark they’ll get one.”
Tiffany Moore agreed. Moore had driven from Atlanta in hopes of seeing Obama take the oath of office and was
wearing numerous articles of clothing covered with Obama’s face. “I’ve come so far to see Obama,” she said. “I’ve been a big supporter of his since day one and the fact that I might not be able to get in and see him leaves me frustrated.”
Moore eventually left Seventh Street to walk to the Washington Monument in hopes of being able to see Obama on wide screens set up.
Unlike the group stuck at Seventh Street, the crowds at the Washington Monument were able to quickly find spots and prepare for the swearing in. For New York City resident Vivian Kean, the area was perfect.
“I’m glad to be away from the crowd,” she said. “Here you can stretch your arms and even sit.” Kean got to the area via Metro at around 5 a.m.
A small group, including Caulfield, went home, their trips ruined by the delays and weather.
Sholley, however, said she was happy. “This is something I would do again to say I was there, but I’m glad it’s only once every four years.”
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