WASHINGTON, D.C., January 20, 2017 (LifeSiteNews) – As President Trump told Americans upon his swearing in that they were getting their country back, assorted groups protested around the nation’s Capitol.
“We are one nation, and their pain is our pain. Their dreams are our dreams, and their success will be our success,” Trump stated in his inaugural address, lamenting Americans negatively affected by failing education, crime, gangs, and drugs. “We share one heart, one home, and one glorious destiny. The oath of office I take today is an oath of allegiance to all Americans.”
“This moment is your moment,” the new president said. “It belongs to you. It belongs to everyone gathered here today, and everyone watching, all across America. This is your day. This is your celebration, and this, the United States of America, is your country.”
Meanwhile, dozens were arrested in parts of Washington, D.C. as protesters turned violent, flinging pieces of bricks at police, throwing rocks and chairs, burning flags, and smashing windows and ATM machines. Some marched with hammers and crowbars, tearing up pieces of pavement in the street. At least two police officers were hurt along with a report of a member of the Bikers for Trump group who attempted to assist police.
While the violence was not widespread by mid-afternoon, USA Today reported that police in riot gear set off flash bang grenades and pepper spray to break up crowds in one area.
Donning costumes, masks and signs — many that were vulgar – pro-abortion and various other activists exhibited angry opposition to the new president with chants and profanity.
A limousine driver reported hundreds of masked men marching. Some threw food at him, pounded his car, and tossed a flare in the vehicle.
Protests began Thursday as inaugural gatherings were gearing up.
As Trump takes office having promised to appoint pro-life Supreme Court justices, defund Planned Parenthood, repeal Obamacare and protect religious liberty, Washington and other U.S. and Canadian cities were gearing up for protests planned Saturday from a collection of left-leaning groups.
Planned Parenthood and other pro-aborts, gender ideology activists and other assorted social justice groups plan a Women’s March on Washington on Saturday to demonstrate for their respective causes while opposing President Trump.
Though the protest event began as a march for women’s issues and organizers have stressed that all are welcome, including men, pro-life groups have been disinvited.
More than quarter of the groups listed as partners for the Women’s March on Washington are funded by billionaire socialist agitator George Soros.
Violence broke out in electoral areas of the country favoring Hillary Clinton after Trump’s surprise victory of Clinton in November, lasting for several days. Protesters had said last week that they planned to shut down the inauguration and paralyze the city.