Joe.My.God. LGBT News
Reuters reports:
Anarchist groups have threatened to shut down Republican Donald Trump’s swearing-in as U.S. president, but police in Washington said on Friday they believe the thousands of security officers assigned to the event will be able to head off any disruption.
Dozens of activist groups plan to protest the Jan. 20 inauguration of the New York real estate developer, whose supporters are counting on him to fulfill a host of controversial campaign promises including building a wall on the Mexican border and deporting millions of illegal immigrants.
Police expect some 900,000 people to flood Washington for the inauguration ceremony, which includes a parade from the U.S. Capitol to the White House along streets thronged with onlookers. Interim Police Chief Peter Newsham told reporters on Friday that in addition to the more than two dozen activist groups that have sought permits for peaceful demonstrations, Washington police were aware of anarchist groups vowing online to interrupt the proceedings.
“The fact that you have some folks that are indicating on social media that they’re coming to shut down the inauguration events is something that we will be prepared for,” Newsham said. “We’ve experienced that type of thing before in the city and we’ll be able to handle it.”
More on planned protests from Mic.com:
Although Inauguration Day is a moment to celebrate an “American tradition” as well as a peaceful transition of power, President-elect Donald Trump’s swearing-in as the 45th president of the United States is expected to encounter a string of protests all across Washington, D.C.
In fact, the Women’s March on Washington will hold one of the largest protests on Jan. 21. The Washington Post reported that more than 100,000 people have registered to attend the demonstration linked to Trump’s inauguration ceremony. It is one of the very few organizations that secured a permit from D.C. police to gather as many as 200,000 individuals at Independence Avenue and Third Street SW.
Likewise, ANSWER Coalition received a permit to hold a demonstration on Freedom Plaza against war and racism while supporting immigrant rights, yet it is still waiting for additional permits should they gather in areas such as Pennsylvania Avenue or the White House sidewalk, Politico reported.
Politico’s list of groups awaiting permits is here. On the list is Westboro Baptist Church.