Another night of nationwide protests against Donald Trump’s election came to a head in Portland, where thousands marched and some smashed store windows, lit firecrackers and sparked a dumpster blaze
Demonstrators protest the election of President elect Donald Trump in Denver, Colorado. Pic/AFP
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Washington: Another night of nationwide protests against Donald Trump’s election came to a head in Portland, where thousands marched and some smashed store windows, lit firecrackers and sparked a dumpster blaze. The police termed the protest a riot and used “less lethal munitions” help clear the streets.
Some 4,000 protesters surged into the downtown area late Thursday night shouting “we reject the president-elect!” Officers began physically pushing back against the crowd that threw objects at them as midnight approached, arresting several and using flash-bang devices and types of smoke or tear gas to force people to disperse.
After several orders to leave, the police said officers used “less lethal munitions,” such as pepper spray and rubber projectiles.
The number continued to dwindle through the night, and as the early hours wore on, the police announced to the remaining to disperse or be “subject to arrest and the use of riot-control agents”.
Around the country from New York to Chicago to California, hundreds of demonstrators marched through streets, many for the third straight night, though in somewhat smaller numbers.
Trump himself fired back late Thursday, tweeting, “Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now, professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!”
In New York City, a large group of demonstrators once again gathered outside Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue on Thursday night, chanting angry slogans and waving banners baring anti-Trump messages.