For a second straight night thousands of dissatisfied Americans poured into streets across the United States to protest Donald Trump’s surprise victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton.
Demonstrators in Baltimore, Minneapolis, Oakland and Los Angeles marched deep into the evening, holding signs and proclaiming that the president-elect does not represent them. While the far majority of protesters were peaceful, some in Portland smashed car windshields and purportedly set small fires.
Related: Thousands Protest Trump’s Presidential Victory Across U.S.
The Washington Post reported that an estimated 4,000 people took part in Thursday’s protest in Portland. At least 26 had been arrested, Portland police said, blaming “anarchists” for destroying property and declaring part of the protest a riot.
Police reportedly deployed rubber bullets, pepper spray and other so-called “less lethal munitions” to disperse protesters.
Many in crowd trying to get anarchist groups to stop destroying property, anarchists refusing. Others encouraged to leave area.
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) November 11, 2016
Those not wanting to be associated w/anarchists should leave the area immediately. Peaceful protesters encouraged to go to Pioneer Square
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) November 11, 2016
Correction: 26 arrests. https://t.co/jn2gAISLPI
— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) November 11, 2016
In Minneapolis, thousands of disgruntled voters reportedly blocked a busy interstate in the city, producing a major traffic jam, according to the StarTribune.
After his meeting with President Barack Obama Thursday morning, which the national press characterized as cordial, Trump Tweeted that “professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting.” The protests, which began Wednesday, appeared to grow organically, and although the media covered the demonstrations, it was unclear what provoked the president-elect to accuse the press of inciting protests.
Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 11, 2016
Later, Trump softened his tone, cheering “small groups” of protesters for demonstrating their “passion for the country.”
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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 11, 2016
Trump’s supporters have come to the future president’s defense and slammed protesters for hitting the streets following a democratic election.
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a core Trump confidant, called protesters on college campuses “a bunch of spoiled crybabies” in an interview with Fox & Friends.
Yet Trump himself encouraged people to “march on Washington” after President Obama was re-elected in 2012, calling the election a “travesty.”
We can't let this happen. We should march on Washington and stop this travesty. Our nation is totally divided!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 7, 2012
Protests are expected to continue across the United States.
