Post-Election Chaos: Clashes Erupt Near Washington Square Park
Photo: @NYPDnews
It was chaos downtown last night, as clashes erupted between protesters and police officers over the presidential election.
Gothamist reported that demonstrators gathered in Washington Square Park shortly before 8:00pm, and were later met by “hundreds of NYPD officers.” It turned rowdy as some set small fires and berated police for supporting President Trump; dozens were arrested. Helicopters circled the air most of the night.
Some cops were seen beating protesters with fists and batons, and using bicycles for crowd control.
Soon, the protesters were outnumbered by the police. Armored NYPD officers on bicycles began making a few arrests, shoving some people to the ground. Eventually, the police kettled a crowd of the remaining protesters on 5th Avenue. The protesters shouted “let us disperse,” but the NYPD closed in to arrest them, swinging fists and batons. Many of the officers wearing armor did not display any identification. One officer told a reporter they didn’t need to.
Wild times pic.twitter.com/lLuOZty4Qr
— Nick Pinto (@macfathom) November 5, 2020
Now they’ve been fully kettled on both sides. pic.twitter.com/sffAcRphH5
— Gwynne Hogan (@GwynneFitz) November 5, 2020
These weapons, confiscated at protests tonight, put others at risk. Bringing weapons to peaceful protests cannot and will not be tolerated. We are currently working to de-escalate the situation. Anyone caught with a weapon will be arrested. pic.twitter.com/GiCDv74ncT
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) November 5, 2020
We appreciate and value the importance of freedom of speech. Our top priority is and always will be safety. We have arrested more than 20 individuals who attempted to hijack a peaceful protest by lighting fires, throwing garbage and eggs in Manhattan. pic.twitter.com/5SzZ6lDWEz
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) November 5, 2020
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