Anti-Trump protesters in US hit streets for third day

NEW YORK — Demonstrators took to the streets of Miami, New York, Portland and other US cities for a third straight night of nationwide protests to oppose Donald Trump’s election as president. People gathered in New York’s Washington Square neighborhood in lower Manhattan on Friday, some carrying enormous red balloons and placards with hearts and the words “peace and love”. In Portland, Oregon, a man was injured in a shooting which city police believe resulted from a confrontation with someone at that protest. According to witnesses cited by the New York Times, the altercation began when a car full of people grew angry about being stalled in traffic and one protester was shot in the leg. Prior to the shooting Portland police reported on Twitter that projectiles were “being thrown at officers” for a second night, while local media said that police in riot gear used pepper spray and flash-bang devices to scatter the crowd. In New York, the local ABC affiliate said an estimated 4,000 people gathered at Washington Square, while others descended on Union Square and marched through Midtown. Still more converged outside Trump Tower. The New York Police Department reported that 11 people had been arrested as of late Friday, the New York Times said. Demonstrators said they wanted to show solidarity with those they felt may be targeted by Trump’s policies once he takes office in January, including Mexicans and Muslims. “We’re here to support the people that Trump has insulted, to show our children that we all have a voice, and to stand up for people’s rights,” Kim Bayer, 41, said. Organizers plan another large demonstration in the same Washington Square location on Saturday, and more protests are expected across a number of cities over the weekend. — AFP