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April 24, 2024

D.C. lowers turnout projections for inauguration

Obama inauguration

Evan Vucci / AP

President Barack Obama receives the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts as first lady Michelle Obama (L-R) and his daughters Malia and Sasha listen at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013.

Obama Inauguration

President Barack Obama makes a toast during a luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, following his ceremonial swearing-in during the 57th Presidential Inauguration. from left are, Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., Vice President Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies first lady Michelle Obama and House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio. Launch slideshow »

Inaugural Parade

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk down Pennsylvania Avenue during the 57th Presidential Inauguration parade Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, in Washington. Launch slideshow »

District of Columbia officials have lowered their turnout estimate for Monday's presidential inauguration.

The district's homeland security director, Chris Geldart, said Sunday that officials now expect between 500,000 and 700,000 people to attend. That's fewer than the 600,000 to 800,000 people initially anticipated.

The estimates are based in part on the number of charter buses arriving in the city, as well as the number of hotel and restaurant reservations.

Geldart says the lowered crowd estimate isn't changing any of the security preparations or planning.

For President Barack Obama's first swearing-in in 2009, 1.8 million people packed the National Mall.

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