Anti-Trump Protests Live Updates: Portland Police Considers Protest ‘A Riot’ After Increased Vandalism

UPDATE: 4:45 a.m. EDT — At least 35 people have been arrested for refusing to disperse during anti-Trump protests in downtown Los Angeles, where demonstrators clashed with police late Thursday, CBS News reported.

In Portland, anti-Trump protests escalated as police deployed pepper spray, rubber ball distraction devices and rubber baton to disperse crowd. Portland police said that at least 29 people were arrested during riots late Thursday, and that details of the charges will be released Friday morning.

UPDATE: 12:52 a.m. EDT – Unruly protesters in Portland, Oregon, are arming themselves with rocks from a construction site as police presence increased on the third night of anti-Trump protests. Portland police said that protesters marched to the Pearl area where they are damaging businesses.

Meanwhile, protesters in California blocked traffic near Highway 87 close to San Jose Airport.

Original story:

Protests against Donald Trump's election as the President of the United States continued for a third consecutive night in the country, with tensions escalating in Portland, Oregon. Late Thursday night, reports of vandalism surfaced as thousands gathered in downtown Portland to take part in anti-Trump protests.

Portland police wrote on its Twitter account that there have been increased reports of "aggressive behavior in protest crowds," forcing authorities to call the violence a riot. Police advised protesters to discontinue use of illegal fire devices. Some individuals were also reported to be marching the streets with bats.

Police estimated that as many as 2,000 people were on the streets Thursday, chanting "Not My President" and "Black Lives Matter," and also carrying signs including "Don't Make Excuses for Racists."

The Oregon Department of Transportation closed freeways in the Portland area. Interstate 5 was closed between the Fremont and Marquam bridges, and westbound I-84 was closed at Lloyd Boulevard. TriMet and MAX services were delayed due to the protests.

"While last night's protest was largely peaceful, it did have a significant impact to traffic on city streets, bridges and freeways," Sgt. Pete Simpson with Portland police reportedly said. "The bureau has received information that some events and activities this evening may not be peaceful and participants will be affecting traffic flow throughout the city."

Anti-Trump rallies began in more than a dozen major U.S. cities Wednesday, with thousands turning out at the biggest gatherings in New York, Seattle, Los Angeles and Oakland, California.

Trump tweeted about the protests across the country, calling them professional protesters incited by the media.

"Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!" he wrote.