Updated Jul 18, 2019
Puerto Rico police use tear gas on protesters during mass rally
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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.
This article has been updated with more details on the protesters' clashes with police, and with more photos.
