MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) -- Alabama leaders in Washington said the city was very patriotic leading up to the inauguration of Donald Trump's second term as president Monday.
"As [U.S. Sen.] Eric Schmitt [R-MO] always says, 'America is so back,'" said U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL). "You could feel it, and it's exciting."
She described what it was like sitting in the rotunda for today's inauguration. Britt said Alabama can be confident in a safer future. The Laken Riley Act was passed in the Senate on Monday.
"It will be the very first bill that President Trump signs, and I think that is what Americans can look at because there's going to be more of that coming your way," Britt said.
Former Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill watched the inauguration from Capital One Arena. He said people were lined up for hours to get inside.
"They spent the night outside, so they could be a part of this event today," Merrill said. "It's just been an unbelievable event. You can hear people chanting 'USA! USA! USA!'"
Other Republican leaders said the inauguration is a new beginning.
"I just think it's a sense of renewal," said state Sen. Keith Kelley (R-Anniston). "It's a strong feeling of renewal that we're experiencing here, and it's so widespread. It's across different ethnic groups. It's like we're coming together as one again."
"It's going be good for agriculture, too" said Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate. "Trump's been a real friend to the farmers, so I expect good things for the next four years. Well, starting today, really."
Alabama Democrats showed concern for what's ahead.
"I am very congratulatory for the new administration," said state Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile). "But I want them to stand for those things that will bring us together and not divide us, and I want them to stand for truth."
"The same God that kept us and has kept us through all those generations ... will be the same God that will keep us through the Donald Trump administration," said state Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham). "That's my take on it."
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey congratulated Trump in a statement. She stated Alabama stands ready to support his mission to foster a stronger than ever America.