PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A large crowd of anti-Trump protesters left Pioneer Courthouse Square Friday evening and began peacefully marching through city streets before things took a turn for the worse and police began using flash bangs and pepper spray against them.
Protesters burned American flags, held signs and spoke against President Donald Trump hours after his inauguration in Washington D.C.
Earlier in the day, businesses prepared for the planned anti-Trump protests by boarding up windows. Some even hired private security to monitor their property.
Business owners told KOIN 6 News they decided to take precautions after riots escalated after Trump won the presidential election in November 2016. That week, fires were set, windows were broken and property was vandalized across Portland.