So far .. my own calculation .. 1,802,311
I think they were expecting 100,000
HOLY COW!
According to an earlier Reuters report posted by Yahoo News, DC's Metro subway system hit a record 850,636 trips on Wednesday alone. That's trips, not people. Factor in other modes of transportation, and I'd wager well over a couple of million were lining the route from Andrews to the Capitol or standing in line to go into the Rotunda. Current estimates by the Capitol Hill police are that about 250,000 people (the average folks waiting in line, not counting dignitaries and congressional staffers) will make it through the Rotunda in 30-some hours available for public viewing. The outpouring of respect from the people is breathtaking and, for me, at least, heartwarming. (I'm absolutely sure the people who least expected this were the elite media and Hollywood.)