Fenty Defends Predictions For Inaugural Crowds

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty is standing by predictions of 3 to 5 million people flooding into the city to witness the inauguration of President Elect Barack Obama.

For the first time, the entire length of the National Mall will be open to the general public.

"I think its not an exaggeration that you could fill it," Fenty said. Even if predictions are wrong, Fenty said the city must be prepared.

Crowd calculations are based on a 3 square-foot per-person formula. Fenty said that means the National Mall can accommodate about 3 million people, and another 350,000 can fit along the Pennsylvania Avenue inaugural parade route. Overflow accounts for the rest of the crowd predictions.

Meanwhile, a U.S. Park Police spokesman said visitors to the National Mall should count on "some level" of security screening and prohibitions on carrying certain items. However, officials are not yet ready to announce details.

"The tone of our efforts on the Mall will be that this event is about an inaugural celebration, not security," said Sgt. Robert Lachance of the Park Police.