No Problems With Jackson Crowd Control

Small Crowd Outside the Staples Center for Jackson's Memorial

(CBS)  He may have been the King of Pop but, to his fans, Michael Jackson was like a modern day pied piper. And today they followed him to the end.

Some were lucky enough to score tickets and a seat inside.

Paulette McCowan flew in from Texas. "I'm so excited to be a part of this historical event because you never get opportunity like this again in your life," she said.

Hundreds of other fans without tickets came from just down the block and down under.

Leo Scarola flew in from Australia with his wife. She got a ticket. He didn't. "I just feel so emotional at the same time that my wife is in there," Scarola said.

The devoted crowd was kept blocks away in the so-called cold zone.

But mostly they didn't mind having a front row seat to nothing. They weren't here for the view. Sherry Hall said that she came just to "be here for the atmosphere and love."

And one fan spread the love by giving a ticket away to a fan - who in turn gave it to his dad.

Meanwhile, the police presence was massive.

Three-thousand LAPD officers, more than were on hand for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. But the crowds they feared could swell towards a quarter million never materialized. In the end, it was about 600.

"The crowds have been respectful, orderly, there have been no issues with that I think we had one arrest so far for someone disturbing the peace," said LAPD Asst. Chief Jim McDonnell

Most people just wanted a chance to say goodbye.

"He's just gone too soon, he's an icon, the king of pop, I just had to be here," said Vernice Massey from New York.

[John_Merritt]

I hope this is the end to the MJ news forever. I am the fifth and hopefully last post for this story. Rest well Michael.

[lyndar2]

RIP Michael...we love you.

[ramos1129]

MJ Rest In Peace......May you now find the peace and happiness that eluded you here on earth.

Many, including Rep. King of NY will criticize you but they are very few in number. I was raised, and taught my children, not to speak ill of the dead. Their judge is God and no other.

[speakinup22]

Another bogus statistic hoisted upon the public by our wonderful media.

How many times did we hear there were going to be 1/2, 1/4 million folks in attendance ?

uh-huh... Sounds like CBS created the news again.