Thousands of people across the United State marched
down streets and interstates Friday to vent their anger about the election of
Donald Trump.
One
of the focal points for protest was Trump Tower in New York City, where Shoshi
"Rabin" Rabinowitz explained her motivation: "Words can't
describe how disgusted I am that he was elected over Hillary (Clinton)."
This
was the third night of protests since Trump's election and more demonstrations
are expected through the weekend.
Interstates blocked
A
protest at Bayfront Park in Miami.
In
Miami, hundreds of people walked down Biscayne Boulevard chanting "Love
Trumps Hate" and carrying signs with messages such as "How many
judges will it take to ruin America?" video from CNN affiliate WSVN
showed.
Some
protesters walked onto Interstate 95 and surrounded cars, forcing four lanes of
traffic came to a standstill, WSVN video showed.
Interstate
80 in Iowa City, Iowa, was shut down briefly by about 75 protesters, Sgt. Chris
Akers with the Iowa City Police Department said. Nobody was arrested, he said.
Nobody was reported arrested in either city.
In
Dalas, protesters dragged and kicked a Trump piƱata through the streets. A store
window was reportedly smashed.
American flag burned
In
Atlanta, about 500 people marched downtown, said Atlanta Police spokesman
Lukasz Sajdak. They tried to walk onto a highway but were turned back by law
enforcement officers who blocked their way. No arrests were made.
An
American flag was burned near the Georgia State Capitol building, something
that didn't please protesters Sanjay Mendonca and Akshita Mendonca. Aged 40 and
39, respectively, they voted for Hillary Clinton.
"The
current situation is not good for us and our children," Sanjay said.
"I'm here for my kids because I don't want them to think we didn't do
something. ... A lot of people feel hopeless right now."
When
asked why he was protesting, 20-year-old Alex Hariri said, "Trump does not
support anyone in the community I know. I'm a gay Middle Eastern man. He's
against everything I am."
Scene at Trump Tower
Angry
crowds gathered once again outside the 58-story Trump Tower, the
President-elect's home in New York.
"I
think he needs to really address all the divisive, hateful things he's said in
the past and recant them, denounce them," Nick Truesdale said in New York.
Trump
tweeted twice about the protests. On Thursday night he said, "Just had a
very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters,
incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!"
He
was more conciliatory Friday morning, saying: "Love the fact that the
small groups of protesters last night have passion for our great country. We
will all come together and be proud!"
Protests across US
Protests
occurred in many other cities, including in New Haven, Connecticut; Orlando,
Florida; Chicago; Boston; Asheville, North Carolina; Vanderbilt University in
Nashville, Tennessee; Ohio State University in Columbus; and high schools in
Denver and Omaha.
The
groups are angry about policies Trump has promised to enforce concerning
immigration, the environment, LGBT rights and other issued.
The
Facebook page for a protest planned in Burlington, Vermont, said: "Come
protest the xenophobia, racism, homophobia, misogyny,and climate science denial
of the Trump/Pence regime!! Come show your support for our Muslim, queer,
immigrant, and female family!!"
In
Portland, Oregon, protesters blocked the street outside city hall.
Earlier
in the day, city officials appealed for calm after a Thursday night protest by
about 4,000 people turned violent. Windows on businesses were broken and a car
dealership was vandalized. Twenty-six people were arrested.
"We
had some anarchists who hijacked that event and did terrible damage to our
neighbors and friends," Mayor Charlie Hales said at a news conference.
"They spread violence and fear and detracted from the legitimate exercise
of those First Amendment rights."
In
Boston, hundreds of people gathered in Boston Common for a "Love Rally in
the Common." Organizers said on Facebook: "Let's unite together to
peacefully show all of those whom Donald Trump or his supporters have put down
that we still care about them, and to give them an opportunity to have their
voices be heard."
A
similar rally was held in Washington Square in New York, the Facebook page
said. "Spread love and peace through the country, and help start the
movement #LoveStillTrumpsHate."


No comments:
Post a Comment