Anti-Trump protesters clash with police, illustrating deep divisions in US politics
As Trump’s motorcade wound its way up Pennsylvania Avenue in the parade to the White House, protesters just a few blocks away set a parked limousine on fire after smashing its windows
America’s political divide split fully open on the streets of the nation’s capital on Friday as Washington became a city of two peoples: the right gathered to celebrate Donald Trump’s inauguration as president, and the left marshalled passionate and occasionally violent protests against him.
Masked, black-clad protesters carrying anarchist flags smashed windows, lit fires and scuffled with riot police Friday in downtown Washington, blocks from the parade in honour of the newly sworn-in president.
I’m just really, really, really worried about what this president is going to do with the many people who have luck running against them
Washington police arrested at least 217 people for acts of vandalism committed on the fringe of peaceful citywide demonstrations against Trump’s inauguration.
Just before the parade started, clashes broke out between 400 to 500 stone-throwing protesters and riot police, who responded with tear gas – the second violent flare-up in the space of a few hours.
As Trump’s motorcade wound its way up Pennsylvania Avenue in the parade to the White House, protesters just a few blocks away set a parked limousine on fire after smashing its windows.
National Guardsmen were seen donning helmets and bulletproof vests, as protesters blocked traffic and set trash cans ablaze – chanting “Not my president” and “We resist President Trump”.
City police chief Peter Newsham said at least 217 people were arrested and would be held overnight before appearing in front of a judge.