'We need to stop it': Protest group aims to disrupt Trump inauguration

A US protest group that aims to "shut down" the inauguration of Donald Trump says it isn't in favour of a peaceful transition of power.

An anti Donald Trump protestor demonstrates across Fifth Avenue from Trump Tower in New York, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017.

File image of an anti Donald Trump protestor demonstrates across Fifth Avenue from Trump Tower in New York, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017. Source: AAP

Thousands of demonstrators are expected to turn out in Washington next week for protests aiming to "shut down" the inauguration of Donald Trump as the next US president.

Protesters will attempt to close down 12 security checkpoints at the US Capitol, where Trump will take the oath of office on January 20, and along the 2.5-mile (4km) parade route down Pennsylvania Avenue, according to leaders of a group called DisruptJ20.

"We want to shut down the inauguration," organiser David Thurston told a news conference.

"We want to see a seething rebellion develop in this city and across the country."
A representative of the Trump transition team could not be immediately reached for comment, nor could a spokesman for the District of Columbia police.

After a deeply polarising campaign, Trump's surprise victory in the November 8 election has inflamed passions across the political spectrum.

DisruptJ20, which is working with Black Lives Matter and other protest groups, said it also planned predawn blockades and disruptive demonstrations during inaugural balls in the evening.

Some 300 DisruptJ20 volunteers will work to mobilise demonstrators for a series of protests the group has dubbed the "Festival of Resistance."

"We are not in favour of a peaceful transition of power, and we need to stop it," organiser Legba Carrefour said.

The group has three protest permits and "promises other surprises," said spokeswoman Samantha Miller.

All told, 27 protest groups have been granted permits, more than four times the average number for past inaugurations, according to the National Park Service.


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Published 13 January 2017 8:56am
Updated 13 January 2017 9:06am
Source: AAP


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