An anti-Donald Trump protest in Portland, Ore. devolved Thursday night into a riot complete with attacks on police and the destruction of multiple storefronts, according to Portland police.
Portland residents marched for three nights in a row to protest Trump’s shocking victory in Tuesday’s election, but on Thursday night the effort quickly devolved into outright violence.
Portland police spokesman Pete Simpson said demonstrators smashed up cars, damaged storefronts, and threw objects at police attempting to contain the situation, according to CNN. Police officially labeled the situation a “riot” due to the presence of “extensive criminal and dangerous behavior.”
By the end of the night, 26 protesters were arrested and the crowd had been dispersed through the use of pepper spray, rubber bullets, and other non-lethal measures.
Portland Mayor Charlie Hales blamed “anarchists” for creating a violent atmosphere.
“Although the majority of over 4,000 protesters last night were peaceful and followed Portland Police safety instructions, anarchists shut down these voices by spreading violence and fear,” Hales said. “Riots and violence in our streets are completely unacceptable. I hope that all Portlanders will help our local small businesses recover.”
Multnomah County, where the riots occurred, gave Hillary Clinton 76 percent of its vote.
Portland wasn’t the only city to have an anti-Trump protest turn violent. In Oakland, marchers smashed store windows, threw Molotov cocktails at police, and blockaded a major road. Eleven people were arrested.
In Los Angeles, police arrested nearly 200 people for various offenses, including vandalizing police cars and attacking police.
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