In Montana, a Presidential Inauguration Day that saw increased security at the state Capitol also saw few protests against, or celebrations for, the Biden-Harris Administration. Former President Donald Trump won Montana by 16 points in the 2020 election, while losing the national race.
Security was on alert at state capitols around the country Wednesday, after a violent mob attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. In preparation for more possible unrest, 150 Montana National Guard troops were sent to Washington D.C.
In Helena, bomb-sniffing dogs swept the statehouse on inauguration day, and the postal service temporarily removed two collection boxes. But here in Montana Inauguration Day turned out to be decidedly quiet.
A few people stood outside the statehouse in Helena to mark the occasion. And in Butte, one small group gathered on the steps of the county courthouse to celebrate the country’s new leaders.
"We’re all gonna take a big deep breath and a sigh of relief starting today, and then that’s when the work starts," Organizer Charlie O’Leary said. "Not only for Biden and Harris, but for all of us."
