Patients Injured in Clash with Police During Trump Inauguration Protests

WASHINGTON (AP) — Police deployed pepper spray in a chaotic confrontation blocks from Donald Trump's inauguration Friday as protesters registered their rage against the incoming president. Spirited demonstrations unfolded peacefully at various security checkpoints near the Capitol as police helped ticket-holders get through to the inaugural ceremony. Signs read, "Resist Trump Climate Justice Now," ''Let Freedom Ring," ''Free Palestine." But at one point, police gave chase to a group of about 100 protesters who smashed the windows of downtown businesses as they denounced capitalism and Trump. Police in riot gear used pepper spray from large canisters and eventually cordoned off the protesters, who shouted, "Hands up, don't shoot," as a helicopter hovered overhead. The confrontation happened about an hour before Trump's swearing-in at the Capitol. Closer to that scene, lines for ticket holders entering two gates stretched for blocks at one point as protesters clogged entrances. Earlier, the DisruptJ20 coalition, named after the date of the inauguration, had promised that people participating in its actions in Washington would attempt to shut down the celebrations, risking arrest when necessary. Trump supporter Brett Ecker said the protesters were frustrating but weren't going to put a damper on his day. "They're just here to stir up trouble," said the 36-year-old public school teacher. "It upsets me a little bit that people choose...
Source: JEMS: Journal of Emergency Medical Services News - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: News Major Incidents Source Type: news