DC has been fortified with fences, barricades, and a small army of security personnel for the 58th presidential inauguration. 

(WASHINGTON, DC) Washington will turn into a virtual fortress ahead of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration on Friday, as the U.S. capital braces for more than a quarter-million protesters expected during the Republican’s swearing-in.

Police have forecast that some 900,000 people, both supporters and opponents, will flood Washington for the inauguration ceremony, which includes the swearing-in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol and a parade to the White House along streets thronged with onlookers.

About 28,000 security personnel, miles (kilometers) of fencing, roadblocks, street barricades and dump trucks laden with sand will be part of the security cordon clamped around 3 square miles (almost 8 square km) of central Washington.

About 30 groups that organizers claim will draw about 270,000 protesters or Trump backers have received permits for rallies or marches before, during and after the swearing-in. More protests are expected without permits.

By far the biggest protest will be the Women’s March on Washington on Saturday, which organizers expect to draw 250,000 people.

Reuters copy, TRUNEWS analysis