Inauguration: Video captures moment anti-Donald Trump protest violence erupts in Washington DC

Water guns used against demonstrators holding anarchist flags

Thomas Goulding
Friday 20 January 2017 18:44 GMT
Comments
Protests mar Trump inauguration ceremony

Video captured the moment anti-inauguration protesters smashed windows and clashed with police on the streets of Washington DC as violence erupted hours before Donald Trump became the 45th president of the United States.

Water guns were used on protesters dressed all in black - apparently part of the “black bloc” anarchists' group - who carried flags, banners and small weapons.

One protester carrying a flag with the anarchist symbol can be seen rolling a dustbin onto the street with three companions, before running away.

A group holding a banner with the words ‘My Mind My Body My Choice’ can be seen walking in the background.

Several characters smash the windows of a McDonald’s with the poles of flags, before also fleeing the scene.

Follow all the updates on our inauguration live blog here.

A placard with depiction of a Klu Klux Klan member on it and the words ‘No Hate No Place’ on it lies beneath McDonald’s windows, referencing the KKK's endorsement and celebration of the new President.

Police are then seen directing small water cannons at the protesters, before chasing a crowd that vastly outnumbers law enforcement officers at the scene.

There appear to be well over a hundred protesters in the crowd, the majority of them dressed in black, and an even greater number covering their faces to hide their identity.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in