Police respond to anti-Trump protesters in Washington with tear gas and smoke bombs

Protests erupted across Washington on inauguration Friday and police responded with tear gas, smoke bombs and flash grenades to disperse the crowds. More than 90 arrests have been made, according to CNN.

According to American University Radio reporter Patrick Madden, clashes between anti-Trump protesters and law enforcement have been escalating throughout the day:

A video filmed from the Washington Post’s offices captures protesters running from flash grenades and smoke bombs meant to disperse the crowds.

Some protesters damaged property, burned Trump merchandise or tried to block Trump supporters from getting to the inauguration site. According to the Associated Press, “police gave chase to a group of about 100 protesters who smashed the windows of downtown businesses including a Starbucks, Bank of America and McDonald's as they denounced capitalism and Trump.”

Tensions have been high for the past two days, as thousands of Trump supporters and anti-Trump protesters have come to Washington to bear witness Trump’s swearing-in ceremony as the 45th president of the United States. Security has been tight, with screening checkpoints surrounding the Capitol Building.

Protesters have been blocking security checkpoints

After a night of demonstrations and riot police in the streets, altercations between protesters, police, and Trump supporters started up again early Friday morning.

Anti-Trump protesters chained themselves to the population controlling fences close to the National Mall, according to BuzzFeed News’ Zoe Tillman.

These tactics led to clashes with the police.

“There were plenty of near-fights between protesters blocking entrances to the inauguration and Trump supporters trying to get through the checkpoints,” Vox’s Sean Illing reports. “Cops were roughing up protesters trying to clear paths.”

Some shop windows have been smashed in downtown DC

Businesses located near the parade route— like this corner about four blocks north and east of the White House — have seen their windows smashed.

Protesters also set fired to trash cans, newspaper stands and the Trump campaign’s merchandise.

While many of the protests were peaceful, the demonstrations escalated after Trump’s swearing in ceremony.

Police helicopters have been circling above the protesters. On the ground, law enforcement teams have been trying to disperse crowds, firing tear gas and flash grenades. “Much different police posture this afternoon,” Madden reported on Twitter.