Protesters threaten to disrupt Trump’s inauguration
(Metro.co.uk) – Tens of thousands of people are expected to join protests as Donald Trump becomes the new president of the United States.
Security officials say 99 groups – both for and against Trump – plan to demonstrate in Washington DC over three days, including 63 on the day of the inauguration ceremony.
Some groups are trying to intentionally shut down or cause delays at security checkpoints during the President-elect’s inauguration tomorrow (Jan. 20).
The largest demonstration will take place in Washington on Saturday – a day after the billionaire reality TV star is sworn in as president – when some 200,000 people are expected to join a women’s march.
Celebrities including Scarlett Johansson, Amy Schumer and Patricia Arquette have pledged they will attend the protest, while similar events are being planned in a number of US cities including Los Angeles and Park City, Utah.
Ugly Betty star America Ferrera, who is helping organize the Washington protest, said: “Since the election, so many fear that their voices will go unheard.
“As artists, women, and most importantly dedicated Americans, it is critical that we stand together in solidarity for the protection, dignity and rights of our communities.”
Women’s marches are also planned across the world, with tens of thousands expected to take to the streets to protest Trump’s presidency in London on Saturday.
Other protests are being staged by Disrupt J20 which says it will try to shut down or cause delays at security checkpoints at the inauguration ceremony in Washington.
The group also plans to march from Columbus Circle outside Union Station at noon, the same time Trump is being sworn in as America’s 45th president.
Anti-war group, the Answer Coalition, is planning demonstrations at the US Navy Memorial and Freedom Plaza near to the White House.
Meanwhile, a group calling itself Occupy Inauguration plans to rally on the morning of the inauguration ceremony at Meridian Hill Park, about a mile and a half north of the White House.
Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson has said 28,000 officials will be involved in the security operation in Washington, including more than 3,000 police officers and 5,000 members of the National Guard.
An estimated 700,000 to 900,000 people are expected in the city to watch Trump become president tomorrow, compared to a crowd of 1.8 million that watched President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009.
CAPTIONS:
Top: Demonstrators protest outside of the Trump Hotel during a march in downtown Washington in opposition of President-elect Donald Trump, Sunday, Jan. 15. Photo: AP via Metro.co.uk
Inset: Hundreds of activists and allies from the newly-formed anti-Trump group Rise and Resist staged a peaceful protest at Trump International Hotel and Tower to fight against the radical changes to the American healthcare system proposed by the Trump Administration and Republicans on January 15. Photo: Barcroft via Metro.co.uk
SOURCE: Nicole Morley for Metro.co.uk
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