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Donald Trump inauguration: Disorder breaks out in Washington as masked protesters smash windows and clash with police Donald Trump inauguration: Violence breaks out in Washington as protesters smash windows and clash with police
(35 minutes later)
Disorder has broken out in Washington amid tight security ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration. Disorder has broken out in Washington DC amid tight security ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration.
A group of masked protesters, some carrying flags bearing the anarchist symbol, were filmed smashing windows, running through the streets and clashing with police. A group of masked protesters, some carrying flags bearing the anarchist symbol, were filmed smashing windows, running through the streets and clashing with police.
One man dressed in black smashed the window of a McDonald's with a hammer, while others tipped over bins. There were unconfirmed reports of looting. One man dressed in black smashed the window of a McDonald's with a hammer, while others tipped over bins. Some were armed with bats and long wooden poles.
Police responded with tear gas and water cannon to disperse the protesters, who fled away from lines of officers. A Bank of America branch and a Starbucks were among the other buildings targeted. There were unconfirmed reports of looting.
Several groups had vowed to disrupt the inauguration ceremony, attempting to block ticket holders from entering the venue. Follow live updates from in inauguration here
More to follow Police responded with tear gas, pepper spray, stun grenades and water cannon to disperse the protesters, who fled away from lines of officers.
Several people were arrested, including a reporter covering the protests for Russia Today, who had been broadcasting live from within a crowd of protesters.
Police were closing in on a surrounded crowd of around 100 demonstrators who chanted “hands up, don't shoot", as a helicopter hovered overhead.
Observers said the disorder appeared to be organised, with the black-clad group splitting from a larger protest before launching the wave of vandalism.
Some groups had vowed to disrupt the inauguration ceremony, with members of #disruptj20 attempting to block ticket holders from entering the venue at security checkpoints.
The clashes came as Mr Trump was due to make his way to the US Capital to be sworn in as US President.
"It all begins today!" he tweeted on Friday morning. "The movement continues - the work begins."
Thousands of people have been protesting against his inauguration around the world, with activists hanging banners from London's bridges as part of the #bridgesnotwalls movement.
One group stationed themselves in Washington offering out 4,200 free joints to campaign for the legalisation of cannabis, while the Answer Coalition demonstrated at the US Navy Memorial and in Freedom Plaza, near the White House.
A group calling itself Occupy Inauguration rallied at Meridian Hill Park and film-maker Michael Moore was to speak at an event in Washington's McPherson Square.
Outgoing homeland security secretary Jeh Johnson said 28,000 officials were being deployed for the security operation in Washington, including more than 3,000 police officers and 5,000 members of the National Guard.