When protests emerge in many U.S. states, it's a cause for concern. When protests emerge in Washington, D.C., it's just called Tuesday. As election results begin to roll in, demonstrators have assembled outside of the White House. While much of the night's events have remained peaceful, an early scuffle erupted between police and citizens just after the sun went down.
The brief interaction just after 5 p.m. as a group of police officers cut through a crowded area on bikes. Video of the incident shows protesters attempting to move out of the way as officers clear out portions of Black Lives Matter Plaza. Initial reports do not suggest that anyone was hurt. However, one person was detained. At this time, it is unclear why the citizen was detained.
Not long after the altercation between officers and residents took place, officers attempted to move a live Go-Go band from the areas as well. Video of the interaction shows officers shooing the band out of the area. It appears that they were successful in moving the group, but it is unclear where they went.
For days, officers and citizens have been bracing for possible altercations between voters as well as cops. As a result, police forces in major cities like Washington, D.C., New York and Los Angeles have all increased their presence on election night. In addition, business owners have began to board up their storefronts in anticipation of possible looting. Thus far, there have been reports of mass unrest across the country. Rather, weary citizens are awaiting election results that may not be determined on November 3.
"It's unclear if we'll have a result even tonight, maybe not until later in the week. So, it's a little, you know, we're not really sure what's going to happen," Washington, D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham said.
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