November 09, 2016
Donald Trump's unexpected presidential victory Tuesday elicited a range of emotions from the American people. A day later, thousands of people who were upset enough by the results are demonstrating in the streets around City Hall.
The Philadelphia Socialist Alternative created an event on Facebook simply titled "Protest Trump in Philly!" In just a few hours, more than 2,000 people indicated they would attend as of 4:45 p.m.
The protest began at 7 p.m. at the Thomas Paine Plaza outside the Municipal Services Building.
The group's leaders want to "build a movement to fight racism, sexism and Islamophobia."
However, the group also expresses a plan to start a third party to represent the nation's 99 percent. It blames the Democratic Party for allowing Trump to assume the presidency by backing Hillary Clinton instead of Bernie Sanders.
After gathering at City Hall, the group started marching in the streets causing traffic closures.
Large anti-Trump protest in Philly tonight . pic.twitter.com/Qz6ERPdCMK
— Christopher Moraff (@cmoraff) November 10, 2016
Hundreds gathered here in Philly to protest Trump. pic.twitter.com/AxT8Mo98rq
— Kyle McKenney (@totallykyle95) November 10, 2016
The Philadelphia Police Department warned motorists to expect delays around Center City.
Expect traffic delays near center city, approx. 700 marchers moving north on Broad St. from Arch St.
— Philadelphia Police (@PhillyPolice) November 10, 2016
The Group is continuing to march northbound on Broad Street headed toward Girard Ave. Traffic delays in the area.
— Philadelphia Police (@PhillyPolice) November 10, 2016
Earlier today, Philly police confirmed that an investigation was underway into an incident related to Trump's win. Two swastikas were discovered painted on abandoned property in South Philly.
The effort also echoes other demonstrations across the country expressing opposition to Trump.
