The atmosphere at the election night watch party for Kamala Harris at Howard University began with excitement, as supporters gathered in blue attire, hopeful for a historic night with Harris potentially becoming the first female and first Black female president.

Harris's campaign had raised over a billion dollars and focused heavily on key issues like abortion rights, attracting significant support from women and high-profile endorsements.

Early polling had suggested a close race, with initial returns showing Harris leading in key states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, which sparked optimism among the crowd.

However, as results began to turn against Harris after 11 PM, particularly with Donald Trump winning North Carolina and other key swing states, the mood shifted dramatically from celebration to despair.

As Trump gained an early lead, anxiety spread among Harris's supporters, many of whom were haunted by the memories of Hillary Clinton's unexpected loss in 2016.

Cedric Richmond, Harris's campaign co-chair, addressed the crowd, attempting to remain optimistic by emphasizing that votes were still being counted and promising that Harris would return the following day.

Despite Richmond's reassurances, the atmosphere turned tense as the crowd thinned out and many supporters expressed fears about the implications of a potential second Trump presidency.

By the time Pennsylvania was projected for Trump, the campus had emptied significantly, leaving only a few optimistic supporters who insisted that the race was not over until all votes were counted.

Ultimately, Kamala Harris did not appear at her watch party, signaling troubling signs for her campaign as the night ended with disappointment among her supporters.

In the end, voters opted to return Trump to power, leaving Harris's supporters feeling let down by the close results and the potential for a contested election.

Photos from the event captured the crowd's emotional rollercoaster, showing visible upset as the night progressed and the reality of the election results set in.

Many students reflected on the stakes of the election, noting the potential for a contested result and the associated risks, which added to the somber atmosphere.