Protesters started the violence and chaos earlier today in protest against the new Chief of our country. The protests were being held about a mile away from the parade route designated for todays celebrations. Confrontation between the police and the unhappy citizens escalated quickly, leaving police no choice but to use pepper spray and stun grenades against the unruly crowd. 217 were arrested when this article was written, with more to come as the day passes.
Along with the protesters, police were also injured, with injuries sustained from objects being thrown in their direction. Social media videos show Columbia police blindly pepper spraying the crowds, spraying an elderly woman and a man with crutches, as well as the people trying to help them in the attack. The video shows a woman screaming and holding her crying child as she runs to try and get away from the toxic pink spray. At the end of the video protesters are seen breaking up cement blocks, ready for battle.
In another location ,near the National Mall, police go after a big group of protesters that were smashing windows to local businesses. Riot gear clad officers pepper sprayed the large mob before finally cornering and arresting them.
The violence began an hour before the oath of office was taken and continued to escalate as the number of protesters grew to more than 1000 people. They donned gas masks and were chained to each other among other various get ups. Police used batons and stun grenades when several protesters crossed police barriers chanting " Put the pigs in the ground" . Bricks and concrete started flying towards police at one point, while others rolled huge metal trash cans attempting to injure the officers. There was even a limo that was set on fire during the madness.
A group calling themselves the DisruptJ20 coalition promised that protesters participating today only had one goal in mind, shut down celebrations, even if it meant being arrested.
In Nashville, half a dozen protesters chained themselves to the doors of the state capitol. Silent protests were held at a park, along with prayer circles and song singing.
I
Over 100,000 people were scheduled to come in on busses alone. The actual number of people is way beyond that. Definitely a day to remember. Read more here. Over 100,000 people were scheduled to come in on busses alone. The actual number of people is way that. Definitely a day to remember. Read more here.
( brought to you by cbsnews.com)