The mayor of Washington, D.C. condemned the violent protesters on the streets today and said such behavior is absolutely unacceptable.
Amid the many inauguration protesters today, some have engaged in vandalism and rioting, from breaking windows to starting fires. DC police said earlier tonight that there have been 217 arrests and 6 officers were injured.
Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the rioters and violent protesters in this twitterstorm:
DC has the honor of hosting the peaceful transition of power. And while many have been respectful there have been those who have not.
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 20, 2017
I have been in contact with @DCPoliceDept and our federal partners regarding today's protests #Inauguration #inaug2017
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 20, 2017
We respect the right of people to express their first amendment rights but violence and destruction will not be tolerated #Inauguration
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 20, 2017
As I said earlier, our mission is to ensure a peaceful exercise of First Amendment rights in a safe environment. #Inauguration #Inaug2017
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 20, 2017
I respect the rights of protesters but will not condone crime and vandalism which are the antithesis of what we hope to accomplish today.
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 20, 2017
To those of you visiting Washington, D.C. we welcome you but we cannot allow you to destroy our neighborhoods. #Inauguration #Inaug2017
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 20, 2017
I support @DCPoliceDept and other law enforcement who have come to DC to support our officers as they have handled crowds and this event.
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 20, 2017
Again, I respect your right to peacefully protest but the damage that has occurred today is unacceptable and not welcome in DC. #Inaug2017
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 20, 2017
[image via DC Mayor’s Office]
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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac
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