Thousands take to the streets of Manhattan to protest election’s outcome

Thousands of protesters, joined by a make-shift marching band, rallied in Manhattan Wednesday night to demonstrate their anger over the election of Republican Donald Trump as the nation’s next president.

Some carried signs calling for the impeachment of the president-elect.

The demonstrators assembled at Union Square and and other parts of the city.

“We reject the president-elect,” they chanted.

Protesters eventually marched to Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan and blocked traffic on Fifth Avenue and other streets in the area. Several people climbed atop scaffolding along the sidewalk.

Security remained tight outside Trump Tower, where dump trucks filled with sand formed a protective barrier.

Police officers monitored the crowd, but no arrests were reported early in the evening.

“We came here to show solidarity with the marginalized people,” said Jessica Friedman, 24. Who moved to New York City last year from California. “I think our voices have been stifled. Here our voices will be heard.

“This is just the beginning of accomplishing that Trump steps down from the presidency.”

Political protest is all that is left for those who oppose the Trump presidency, said Carly Duran outside Trump Tower.

“We came here to voice our opinion because that’s all we can do in this sad state of affairs,” she said.

The protest in Manhattan was one of several anti-Trump demonstrations held nationwide.

Hundreds also gathered in Philadelphia and Boston on Wednesday evening, and organizers planned rallies in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Oakland, California. In Austin, the Texas capital, about 400 people marched through the streets, police said.

In downtown Chicago, thousands more gathered outside the Trump International Hotel and Tower while chanting phrases like “No Trump! No KKK! No racist USA.” Chicago police closed roads in the area, impeding the demonstrators’ path. There were no immediate reports of arrests or violence.

Reuters contributed to this report.