Violence, protests mar inauguration; 217 held

Washington, January 21 

Six police officers were injured and more than 200 protesters were arrested as brick-throwing vandals torched a vehicle and damaged half-dozen stores after a series of protests marring Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony gave way to violent street clashes here in the US.

At least two police officers and another person in downtown Washington were taken to hospital after run-ins with protesters, Fire spokesman Vito Maggiolo told CNN.

Acting DC Police Chief Peter Newsham said the officers’ injuries were considered minor and not life threatening. About 217 protesters were arrested.

A large number of protesters had gathered in the national capital since early morning yesterday to voice their anger and hold demonstrations against what they alleged were the divisive policies of the new Trump administration.

A group of protesters clad as “antifascist” smashed storefronts and bus stops, and broke windows of a limousine just blocks away from the inaugural parade route. Some also threw rocks at police manning the streets near the US Capitol.

Police had to use crowd-dispersing sprays and flash-bang devices to push back the protesters and large crowds. “Pepper spray and other control devices were used to control the criminal actors and protect persons and property,” they said.

Anti-Trump protests also broke out in cities across the US, including New York, Seattle, Dallas, Chicago and Portland, Oregon.  — PTI