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Updated Jul 18, 2019

Puerto Rico police use tear gas on protesters during mass rally

Rebecca Falconer
Demonstrators and police face off during a protest against Ricardo Rossello.

Protesters and police face off in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Puerto Rico riot police clashed with protesters Wednesday night, as thousands rallied for a 5th consecutive day in Old San Juan to call for Gov. Ricardo Rosselló to resign, NBC News reports.

Why it matters: Demonstrators want Rosselló to resign over leaked messages shared on encrypted messaging app Telegram with administration members. The content was reported to include misogynistic, profane and homophobic comments, prompting 2 top officials to step down.

  • Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to try and disperse protesters, according to NBC producer Annie Rose Ramos. Some demonstrators reportedly threw bricks, glass and fireworks at officers, she said. Tensions eased early on Thursday, according to the producer.
Demonstrators and police face off during a protest against Ricardo Rossello, the governor of Puerto Rico on July 17, 2019 in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.
After a peaceful day of demonstrations, the situation becomes tense in Old San Juan Wednesday night. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Demonstrators protest in front of the Capitol Building in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Demonstrators protest in front of the Capitol Building in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Photo: Jose Jimenez/Getty Images
Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin (C), Puerto Rican rapper Rene Perez, aka Residente, (R) Puerto Rican reggaeton singer Bud Bunny (top) at the protest.
Singer Ricky Martin (C), rapper Rene Perez, aka Residente, (R) and singer Bud Bunny (top) at the San Juan protest. Photo: Eric Rojas/AFP/Getty Images
People take part in a demonstration demanding Governor Ricardo Rossello's resignation in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Demonstrators in San Juan. Photo: Eric Rojas/AFP/Getty Images
or the fifth day thousands of demonstrators protest against Ricardo Rossello, the Governor of Puerto Rico in front of the Capitol Building on July 17.
Many protesters have displayed signs calling out the misogynistic and homophobic content of the leaked messages. Photo: Jose Jimenez/Getty Images
People take part of a demonstration demanding Governor Ricardo Rossello's resignation in San Juan.
The protests have continued well into the evening. Photo: Eric Rojas/AFP/Getty Images

This article has been updated with more details on the protesters' clashes with police, and with more photos.

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