Watch CBS News

Hundreds Of Anti-Trump Protesters Close Down I-94 In Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Both sides of Interstate 94 were closed for about an hour Thursday evening in Minneapolis after about 1,000 anti-Donald Trump protesters entered the roadway.

protesters-block-traffic-on-i-94
(credit: MnDOT)

More than 3,600 people were expected for the march Thursday night from the University of Minnesota's West Bank campus through the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood.

Crowds began to gather at about 5 p.m. outside the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and eventually started marching south.

Hundreds of protesters began to walk on I-94 from the Cedar Avenue on-ramp just before 8 p.m. The Minnesota State Patrol estimates that about 1,000 people were on the interstate at one point. Most of the protesters left the roadway by 9 p.m.

Seventeen different organizations are taking part in this anti-Trump rally.

"We want to show that we don't accept that this sexism, racism or bigotry can stand, and that we won't let any of his policies that he's talked about through his campaign go forward," organizer Ginger Jentzen said.

Anti-Trump March In Minneapolis
Protesters march near Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside neighborhood (credit: CBS)

Organizers say they are part of a movement to fight racism, sexism and Islamophobia.

"For 18 months this man has ignited bigotry and racism, Islamophobia, sexism … saying he's going to implement and bring forth policies that are going to reflect those values and that rhetoric," organizer Robin Wonsley said. "That is what Americans are afraid of right now."

This event is a follow up of sorts to Wednesday night's Anti-Trump march in St. Paul, where demonstrators blocked off streets and the Light Rail line on University Avenue.

President-elect Trump took to Twitter Thursday night to address protests.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.