Protesters armed with assault rifles burned American flags and marched, without committing violence, despite post-election confusion, through the streets of Portland, northwestern United States, on Tuesday night 3 until Wednesday November 4.
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The liberal enclave in Oregon feared armed clashes after months of tense protests between far-left activists, far-right militiamen and federal police.
Following incumbent President Donald Trump's proclamation of his re-election to Democrat Joe Biden, with key states remaining on their count, activists gathered outside Portland Federal Court, the epicenter of anti-racist protests. strained having enameled the summer.
The FBI on alert
400 people demonstrated in Portland as part of the “Black Live Matter” movement.
ANKUR DHOLAKIA / AFP
"
We don't like any of the candidates - I shamefully voted for Biden - but if Trump takes over for four years, people are going to go berserk
," a young protester said as two American flags burned outside the building.
Many chanted anti-Trump and anti-Portland mayor Ted Wheeler slogans re-elected on Tuesday, while others danced.
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The FBI warned of the risk of armed clashes linked to the presidential election, but no activity by far-right groups was visible.
In the early hours of Wednesday, the police had not opposed the protesters.
The evening began with a peaceful three-hour march bringing together 400 people as part of the “
Black Lives Matter
” movement against racism and police violence, headed by half a dozen people equipped with assault rifles, knives and a gun.
Protesters exchanged the latest election news as it fell.
“
I heard Trump is in the lead now
,” said 20-year-old organizer Ty Ford.
It's going to be a riot.
When that is known, it will go crazy
”.
The atmosphere was sometimes relaxed when protesters tried to convince residents watching them from their windows to join them in the street.
“
Hey, stick your heads out the window, tell us how the election is going - and then maybe you could put your shoes on and come help us start a revolution,
” one activist shouted.
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