At least 230 protesters were arrested over the last two days, and according to police, the anti-Trump activists could face up to 10 years in prison.
CBS DFW reports that most of the people arrested during the “inauguration riot” are facing charges of felony rioting, which not only carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, but also a $250,000 fine. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the majority of the people arrest will likely be released on their own recognizance, but must return to court next month.
A group of men appeared before a judge today. All pleaded “not guilty” to felony rioting, and were released based on the condition that they stay out of trouble and not get arrested in the D.C. area again.
U.S. protest group vows to disrupt Trump inaugural festivities https://t.co/tMH4uaend8 pic.twitter.com/G9x0lcpxtQ
— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) January 19, 2017
Since Friday, thousands of protesters gathered around Washington D.C., not far from where Trump was getting sworn in as the 45th President of the U.S., and began smashing business windows, lighting trash cans on fire, and chanting. Some protesters even threw rocks at the police officers trying to calm the situation.
A mob of protesters also smashed a television truck while chanting that the news administration is “fascist” and “illegitimate.” One woman in the crowd begged the protesters to stop, but her request was ignored as the protesters chanted that Trump was anti-women, racist, and homophobic.
Numerous protesters were blasted with tear gas and stun grenades, and police finally managed to subdue many of them.
The arrests took place down a four-block stretch around Washington, D.C.
[Feature Photo: AP/John Locher]
