Portland, Oakland Protests Against Trump Presidency Turn Violent

protests-compressedProtests in Portland, Oregon and Oakland, California turned violent on Thursday as several thousand took to the streets to express unhappiness with the outcome of the presidential election.

According to reports, in Portland, an estimated 4,000 protesters shut down streets, spray painted buildings, smashed windows and electrical boxes, vandalized cars and set small fires out of their dissatisfaction with Donald Trump becoming the next president of the United States.

Police dressed in riot gear used pepper spray and rubber bullets to try to disperse the protesters, but some defied orders and threw objects at the officers.

Pete Simpson, public information officer for the Portland Police department, told the Washington Post that 29 people had been arrested.

Oregon’s electoral votes went to Hillary Clinton, with 51 percent of the vote being cast for Clinton and 41 percent for Trump.

In Oakland, California, approximately 7,000 gathered to protest the outcome of the election. Three police officers were hurt in the protests and 30 demonstrators were arrested in a night filled with the throwing of rocks, bottles, fireworks and Molotov cocktails.

NBC reports that 40 fires were set on Wednesday night and 16 businesses were vandalized in the protest. Some were arrested for assault and possession of a firearm.

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“I don’t see what … destruction of people’s property has to do with freedom of speech,” business owner Tyler Graffingna told the outlet.

Some protesters carried signs that read “Donald Trump is a rapist” and “Secede #CalExit,” and some wore masks to cover their faces. Windows and doors at city hall were smashed, and the walls were tarnished with graffiti.

“The individuals who would throw bricks at police in situations like this are acting out in ways that are inappropriate in a democratic society,” Rusty Kennedy, executive director of the Orange County Human Relations Commission, told reporters. “There are many people who are upset, afraid, and angry right now, but I don’t think that warrants attacking police officers who have a simple responsibility to keep the peace.”

California’s electoral votes also went to Hillary Clinton, with 61 percent of the vote being cast for Clinton and 33 percent for Trump.

Protests had been held in other cities across the country, but most had not reported violence. In Philadelphia, protesters held signs such as “Not Our President” and “Trans Against Trump,” and in San Francisco, some demonstrators held rainbow flags, which represent the homosexual and transgender cause. In Baltimore and Minneapolis, protesters filled the streets, blocking traffic.

At Berkeley High School in California, approximately 1,500 students walked out of classes in protest.

In response to the demonstrations, Trump Tweeted on Thursday, “Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!”

He then conversely wrote on Friday, “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!”


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