The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Violent protests erupt as thousands oppose leadership of Trump
US: Over 95 arrests as police use smoke grenades and tear gas
Violent protests erupted in Washington DC as thousands of people took to the streets to oppose Donald Trump’s presidency.
More than 95 people were arrested as police threw smoke grenades and fired tear gas to clear protesters close to the inaugural parade route.
Demonstrators dressed in black had earlier smashed windows of shops and cars as they marched through the city, where up to 900,000 people were expected to watch Mr Trump’s swearing-in ceremony.
Scuffles broke out when protesters blocked routes into Mr Trump's inauguration ceremony before he took the oath.
Actor James Cromwell, who starred in Babe and LA Confidential, was among Black Lives Matter protesters who blocked an entrance to the inauguration.
Asked what he opposed about Mr Trump, Cromwell said: “Everything he says, everything he promises, his appointments, his illegitimacy, his total incompetence and every other reason.
“That’s why we’re here today to see what can be achieved.
“That’s what our democracy is about.”
Protesters gathered outside Washington’s Union Station early on Friday morning where they chanted “no Trump, no KKK, no racist USA”.
Elsewhere, feminist activists waved placards which read “pussy witches against Trump” and “feminists against fascism” as they linked arms to block one of the inauguration entrances.
Jennifer Davis, 34, said: “I want to let my voice be heard.
“Most people in this country do not share Donald Trump’s opinion about pretty much all human beings, especially the way he talks about women, immigrants and minorities.”
Many Trump supporters voiced anger at the protesters.
Bernadette Repisky, from Pennsylvania, said she felt “sorry” for the demonstrators.
“They’re so ignorant,” she said.
“Why can’t the police disband them? They’re so hateful.
“Donald Trump saved our country.”
Jeff Hummel, from South Carolina, said of the protesters: “They need to get a job.”
Anti-Trump protesters clashed with police outside the National Press Club, where a group of Trump supporters were staging a “DeploraBall”.
The event was so named because Hillary Clinton branded half of Trump’s supporters a “basket of deplorables” during the election.
Elsewhere, a limousine was set on fire yesterday as protests intensified.
It was one of a number of blazes throughout the city last night as anti-Trump demonstrators vented their anger. Another fire raged outside the Washington Post building, and police moved quickly to quell the rioting as people reportedly hurled rocks and pieces of concrete.
Meanwhile, just streets away President Trump and his family were driven through Washington towards the White House as part of the inauguration parade.
The president and first lady emerging briefly from the armoured car known as “the beast” to walk some of the route with their son Barron, smiling and waving at crowds which were in place quite sparse.
“Most people do not share Trump’s opinion about pretty much all human beings”