Thousands of demonstrators booed the inauguration of George W. Bush today, holding signs such as "Hail to the thief" to protest his swearing-in which took place amid the tightest security measures ever.
Police said they had arrested nine protesters. Some protesters said they were clubbed although this was denied by police. Officers in riot gear and on horseback watched protesters, joined by thousands of uniformed Secret Service agents.
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Columns of demonstrators, championing a range of causes from abortion to electoral rights, stood on the route Bush took to the Capitol for his swearing-in and jeered as his presidential limousine went past carrying him and outgoing president Mr Bill Clinton.
The closer they got to the Capitol, the more people were cheering for the incoming president and there were fewer protesters, who had said they planned peaceful demonstrations but feared a heavy-handed police response.
One man's sign showed the scales of justice. On one side was a donkey, the Democratic emblem, with the legend "Sex in the White House", and on other the Republican elephant emblem with "Stealing the White House". At the top of the sign were the words: You Decide.
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Protesters baring placards in Washington today
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Bottlenecks developed around the 10 security checkpoints set up by security forces to search anyone entering the parade route, which angered some impatient demonstrators.
A small group of protesters chanted "Hey, hey, ho, ho, that son of a Bush has got to go", referring to the incoming president's father who occupied the White House before being ousted by Bill Clinton in 1992.
Aside from the checkpoints, all mail boxes had been removed along the parade route and barricades set up to hold back spectators and protesters alike. Another security measure included the closure of two subway stations.
Some demonstrators wore masks and costumes bearing likeness to the five Supreme Court justices who voted to stop the recount of votes in Florida which ultimately gave Bush his electoral victory over Democratic candidate Al Gore.
Reuters