Biden inauguration: Andy Fox speaks with Trump supporters, abortion protesters and former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe in DC

Posted: Jan 20, 2021 / 01:15 PM EST

Updated: Jan 20, 2021 / 05:53 PM EST

App users: Click here to watch live inauguration coverage.

WASHINGTON (WAVY) — Security remained strict and many guests were encouraged to celebrate the Presidential Inauguration virtually — but some still decided to attend on Wednesday.

The rigorous safety measures were put in place due to the coronavirus pandemic and the recent security issues at the Capitol.

The fencing around the building, streets blocked off, and increased security personnel did not stop some people who decided to show up in Washington D.C. to be part of the history being made.

BELOW: Trump supporters in Washington

Still, 10 On Your Side saw about 250 journalists in the area near the Capitol ready to cover the inauguration, including a student journalist from George Washington University.

He said he was there cover the inauguration for the GWU paper. He and others had been out there for a while, but hadn’t seen much, and only a few protesters.

BELOW: Security, media coverage ahead of inauguration

Support for the new administration

While the audience inside is mostly members of Congress and specially invited guests, 10 On Your Side’s Andy Fox spoke with a woman who knew she wouldn’t be able to see anything from behind the barricade but she wanted to come anyway.

Barbara from Washington D.C. lives within walking distance. She says she’s excited about the four years ahead.

“I am hopeful. Obviously, I was hoping the inauguration would have been like the ‘standard inauguration’ where I could’ve been on the Mall [National Mall] and participated. But, if this is as good as it going to get, this is where I’m going to stay.”

When it comes to the next four years, she says, “I’m hoping that we can be more civil in our discourse, and I’m hoping that Americans unite because it’s been very acrimonious the past few years. So, hopefully, we’ll turn a different page.”

BELOW:A discussion with former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe on Inauguration Day

Barbara says she was not surprised that Donald Trump did not attend the ceremony.

The most popular items on one merchandise table in DC Wednesday were shirts displaying Vice President Kamala Harris. The table had various Biden-Harris items

Harris sits real well with Marcia Smith from Hamden, Connecticut.

“I’m out here to celebrate the inauguration of President Biden and Kamala Harris. She is our first female V.P. and I take a lot of pride in that. She represents women of all backgrounds, for my mother, sister and me. People, they just want to be part of this event and it is something to behold,” she said.