There were 2 events. The early and late ones were on the East and were NOT part of the permit area.
That was called by the members of congress led by Steve King and Michelle Bachman and was before and after the Patriot Rally called AUDIT THE IRS which had a permit for the WEST side of the Building.
There is an aerial picture and some others here on this thread. This is the EAST side and shows the small crowd that attended. They did all come around the building by about 12:15 and added to the the growing crowd there.
Pictures that show the Washington Monument in the background or the huge stairways up the Capitol are taken of the much larger WEST side crowd!
I chose to stay and socialize with the people waiting for the noon start of the Rally.
Fourth:
What wonderful people there were there from all over the country. Yes, mostly mature ones, but a few families and many students. ( School is out here)
I was soon meeting folks who had bussed all night to arrive on time. Many drove from surrounding states too.
The group who all had glasses and fake noses with their signs about not wanting to be audited were busy having pictures taken and showing their signs to all who noticed them.
As always with these groups the courtesy and kindness to anyone with special needs is evident. Sharing chairs, blankets and water with strangers was evident. This time I brought homemade earrings (red white and blue crystal, of course,) and homemade chocolate chip cookies for the guys.
There seemed to be a bit of a change in attitude this event. People expressed more fear of government and concern for the nation. conversations were subdued and often hear was the comment, “ Can you talk freely anywhere else, anymore” answer: “NO not even within the family.”