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Hundreds of Thousands of Marchers Flood the National Mall

Women’s March participants in Washington, D.C. exceed predictions

Protesters march up 14th Street past the Washington Monument holding signs during the Women's March on Washington on Saturday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Protesters march up 14th Street past the Washington Monument holding signs during the Women's March on Washington on Saturday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

A District of Columbia official estimated a crowd size of more than half a million people for the Women’s March on Washington on Saturday, according to the Associated Press. The march, organized to protest the inauguration of President Donald Trump that took place Friday at the Capitol, was originally expected to garner a crowd of 100,000 to 200,000, according to media reports.

Protesters attend Saturday's march in Washington. (Chris Hale/CQ Roll Call)
Protesters attend Saturday’s march in Washington. (Chris Hale/CQ Roll Call)

Images of long lines at Metro stations filled social media for several hours leading up to the original 1 p.m. ET march start time (though formal speakers and events began at 10 a.m.).

Protesters hold signs on Independence Avenue in Washington during the Women's March on Washington on Saturday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Protesters hold signs on Independence Avenue in Washington during the Women’s March on Washington on Saturday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

The Washington Metro Transit Authority estimated Metro ridership was up more than 80,000 rides at 11 a.m. on Saturday compared to the same time on Inauguration Day. 

Speakers have included activists, entertainers and lawmakers.

Related events drew large crowds in other American cities and across the globe.

Protesters flood the National Mall on Saturday. (Chris Hale/CQ Roll Call)
Protesters flood the National Mall on Saturday. (Chris Hale/CQ Roll Call)
Protesters hold signs along Independence Avenue in D.C. on Saturday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Protesters hold signs along Independence Avenue in D.C. on Saturday. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

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