‘We Have One Demonstrator’: Braced For Chaos, States Report Sparse Inauguration Day Protests

Topline

Preparing for the worst after this month’s deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol, states across the country which had been warned of potential violence outside their capitol buildings on Inauguration Day saw little—if any—protest activity on Wednesday. 

Key Facts

Crucial Quote 

“We have one lone demonstrator at the Montana State Capitol so far,” Thom Bridge, the multimedia editor for the Helena Independent Record, wrote on Twitter around midday. “He’s the only one who has showed up all day,” Bridge later told Forbes. 

Key Background 

Statehouses across the country saw a similar lack of activity over the weekend, though there appeared to be a greater show of armed protesters than there has been so far on Inauguration Day. Online, supporters of President Trump who subscribe to the bizarre QAnon conspiracy theory appeared defeated and desperate as their belief that Trump would finally bring down the “deep state” and its cannibalistic child sex trafficking ring never came to fruition. 

Further Reading 

“‘It’s A Militarized Zone’: Photos Of A Locked Down D.C. Ahead Of Biden’s Inauguration” (Forbes)

“‘We All Got Played’: QAnon Followers Implode After Big Moment Never Comes” (Forbes)

“Statehouse Protests Largely Peaceful Sunday Amid Warnings Of Violence Ahead Of Biden’s Inauguration” (Forbes)

“States Brace for Armed Protests in Wake of U.S. Capitol Attack” (The New York Times)