Protests against President-elect Donald Trump were held across the US, gathering thousands in cities including Chicago (pictured), New York and Philadelphia. (AFP)
Washington — Protesters burned a giant orange-haired head of Donald Trump in effigy, lit fires in the streets and blocked traffic as rage over the billionaire’s election victory spilled onto the streets of major US cities.
From New York to Los Angeles, thousands of people in around 10 cities rallied late Wednesday against the president-elect a day after his stunning win, some carrying signs declaiming “Not our President” and “Love trumps hate.”
Most of the rallies were peaceful.
Outside Trump’s residence in Trump Tower on New York’s Fifth Avenue, protesters gathered with signs reading “Dump Trump.” Police said they had arrested 15 people, the New York Times reported.
Protesters playing a game of cat and mouse with police blocked a major highway near downtown Los Angeles in a demonstration that continued into the wee hours of Thursday, bringing traffic to a standstill.
Police arrested 13 people, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Demonstrators outside Los Angeles City Hall also hoisted a giant, box-shaped likeness of Trump’s head, topped with bright orange hair, and set it ablaze.
In Washington, several hundred gathered in front of the White House for a candlelight vigil to decry what they called Trump’s racism, sexism and xenophobia, carrying signs reading “We have a voice!” and “Education for all!”
Protesters also gathered outside the Trump International Hotel in the nation’s capital and shouted “Impeach Donald Trump.”
“People are justly frightened,” said one of its organizers, Ben Wikler, director of the liberal advocacy group MoveOn.org.
“We are here because in these darkest moments, we are not alone,” he told the crowd, before leading chants of “We are not alone!”
Protests were also held in Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, Portland and other cities.