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Hundreds of protesters inflamed by the election of Donald J. Trump as U.S. president marched through Portland tonight, blocking interstate highways for the second night in a row.
As many as 400 people gathered in Pioneer Courthouse Square at 5 pm, holding signs that read "NOT MY PRESIDENT," "LOVE TRUMPS HATE" and "The PUSSY GRABS BACK," among others.
"I'm here because I'm a sexual assault survivor, and fuck Donald Trump for thinking that's OK," said Kelsey Prinz, holding a sign that read "This pussy grabs back."
"I can't believe how many people are here," Prinz said. "I was feeling so alone. This is really powerful to see."
Several people spoke, including Gregory McKelvey of Don't Shoot Portland.
"We're going to be a beacon of light for the country," McKelvey said. "We're going to keep this going."
McKelvey led the massive group up Southwest 6th Avenue. People weaved through busses and cars, shooting flares and chanting "Not our president," "Fuck Trump" and "Black lives matter."
They marched over the Morrison Bridge and were on Grand Avenue by 6pm. They shut down Interstate 84, and then the northbound lanes of I-5 near the Moda Center.
There have been no signs of the police.
"They're not even going to fight us on this," one protester remarked. "We can do whatever the fuck we want."
But the march remained most law-abiding, except for shutting down highway traffic. Some protesters scrawled anti-Trump graffiti on the interstate concrete.
"I'm out here," said protest organizer Star Stauffer, "because I won't let my country go to an openly fascist, racist, misogynistic dictator."
Photos by Joe Riedl.
Willamette Week