Violent protests erupt after Trump rally in New Mexico
NEW MEXICO (KUSI) — Violent anti-Trump protests erupted Tuesday night in New Mexico outside a Donald Trump rally at Albuquerque’s convention center.
According to CNN, police in riot gear and police on horses ushered protesters away from venue after they began to get violent.
Protesters broke the glass on the convention center doors, lit vehicles on fire, taunted police and loudly chanted, "F*** Donald Trump."
CNN reported that Trump had already left the venue when the protests began.
Happening NOW: Police in Albuquerque firing pepper spray at protesters after today’s Trump rally: pic.twitter.com/dnLamjjNU0
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) May 25, 2016
Despite initial word of gunshots, Albuquerque’s police department said on Twitter that there was "no confirmation" of gunshots.
"There is no confirmation that any gunshots were fired, contrary to reports. Possible damage to Convention Center Windows by pellet gun," the department tweeted.
Albuquerque’s police also Tweeted that the only arrests they’ve made were inside the rally itself. At least three were forcefully removed by police after they refused to leave.
According to CNN, a group of protesters in the stands around the stage where Trump spoke unfurled banners that read "Undocumented Unafraid" and "We’ve heard enough."
Scenes from the situation post-Trump rally in NM: Protesters running over police car, riot police advance: pic.twitter.com/xoLTKMdpn9
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) May 25, 2016
Albuquerque police tweeted later in the evening, "Appears that most of the @realDonaldTrump protestors have left & remaining contingent is only looking to cause trouble & be destructive."
This is not the first incident of violent protests. In early March, riots broke out after a Trump rally in Chicago.