What Hoosiers hope for in the next 4 years on a peaceful Inauguration Day

Local and federal authorities tracking potentially violent protests in Indianapolis were once again prepared for the worst as Inauguration Day proceedings began Wednesday.

And once again, fears of uprisings in the wake of the Jan. 6 insurrection at the nation's capital proved to be empty.

There were no protests, demonstrations or disturbances in downtown Indianapolis Wednesday afternoon. As Joe Biden took the oath of office in Washington D.C., things were quiet and calm at the Indiana Statehouse, Monument Circle and other common gathering spots.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department reported no issues. Chris Bavender, a spokeswoman for the FBI's Indianapolis office, told IndyStar Wednesday morning there were no "direct, articulable, or credible threat targeting the state."

"However, the FBI and our law enforcement partners remain vigilant and continually monitor for any potential security threats," Bavender said in a statement.

It is the second time this week that chatter about Indianapolis protests were bereft of actual action. The scene downtown Wednesday was the same as it was Sunday, a day marked as a national day of action by anti-Biden organizations and hate groups that largely fizzled across the country.

Despite the lack of protesting, the transition of power was on the minds of Hoosiers as they making their way through Downtown Indianapolis in the 30-degree weather.

Many hope the inauguration signifies an opportunity to reset, refocus and recover from a January that has moved at a blistering pace. 

The next four years

"I hope this is a time for us to all catch our breath. I'm really hoping so," said Jacky Cook of Indianapolis. "The head of the country is supposed to be a role model ... and we haven't had that in a while, so I hope we have it now. But no, I'm not watching any of it. No TV today. My mind is taking the day off."

One Indianapolis resident who did tune in to the inauguration is DeAndre Brooks. He was in good spirits Wednesday and hopes that greater unity is in the country's future.

"Everything just seemed like it was at peace today. I think it was best that Trump did not show up because it was peaceful and everyone seemed to only show love today," he said. "Bad things have happened but hopefully we learn from it. It should be something we look back at, learn from and use to come together. 

Transfer of power:Pence flies to his hometown of Columbus after inauguration 

"Like they said today, it shouldn't be about red and blue. It should be for the people. Let's come together and make things work."

As the afternoon continued, a conservative group calling themselves The Good Guys made their way to Monument Circle. Member Max Freeman described The Good Guys, which formed in November, as "a paleoconservative club built on American and Christian values."

Freeman said the group came out not to protest, but to give water and food to the homeless camping on Monument Circle.

"We’ve hit a point where we just don't know where we are left at or what to do next, so the only thing we know to do next is to patch the holes," Freeman said. "While we're disappointed in the election results, we're not trying to riot or cause anything crazy."

Freeman said The Good Guys had a presence at the Jan. 6 protest at the Indiana Statehouse that attracted more than 100 people. Also in attendance at that protest was a local Proud Boys chapter led by Brien James, who follows racist, skinhead ideologies and stand accused of committing a number of racist attacks.

Freeman said The Good Guys are not formally affiliated with the Proud Boys, though they do "stand in solidarity" at events.

Elsewhere downtown, Michael Patterson, an Indianapolis native who now calls Tampa, Fla., home, said those in power have spent too much time trying to win political wars waged against one another instead of doing everything in their power to aid the public they serve.

"They need to concentrate on us. Who gives a (expletive) about politics. What have they done for us?" he said. "I don't care, whether Republican or Democrat, what about us? What about the people who are out on these streets right now?"

Call IndyStar reporter Justin L. Mack at 317-444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.