Protests popped up in numerous cities across the U.S. Friday night as pro-abortion activists took to the streets to voice their anger with the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Thousands of protesters crowded streets Friday evening in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Las Vegas.
Some protests became heated as a fight reportedly broke out at the Rhode Island State House where a counter-protester appeared to be beaten up by one of the protesters while protesters in Phoenix, Arizona, reportedly breached the state’s Capitol building. There was also video of a truck driving through a group of protesters trying to stop the vehicle in Iowa.
Boston Globe reporter Alexa Gagosz reported that one counter-protester at a pro-abortion rally was asked to leave before getting in a fight with one other person. “There was one counter protestor,” Gagosz tweeted. “Abortion rights activists at this #RoeVsWade rally outside the Rhode Island State House asked for him to leave. A fight broke out. Police got involved.”
There was one counter protestor. Abortion rights activists at this #RoeVsWade rally outside the Rhode Island State House asked for him to leave. A fight broke out. Police got involved. @Globe_RI pic.twitter.com/EruWAwtupz
— Alexa Gagosz (@AlexaGagosz) June 25, 2022
Globe reporter Amanda Milkovitz later reported that both the protester and counter-protester were charged with disorderly conduct.
A protest in Phoenix, Arizona, became heated as police reportedly fired tear gas and deployed flash bangs to disperse the crowd. The Arizona Senate was evacuated due to a possible “security breach” as pro-abortion protesters joined by teachers protesting an education funding bill allegedly broke into the state’s Capitol building during a vote.
Arizona Capitol pic.twitter.com/sf8UcFvByD
— Michelle Ugenti-RITA (@MichelleUgenti) June 25, 2022
In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a group of protesters appeared to try to stop a truck driving through the area. The truck reportedly ran over the foot of one of the protesters, but no serious injuries were reported.
Here is some more video of the incident at the protest. Protestors are sharing the video and pictures with me. pic.twitter.com/1HWHqIasfQ
— Lyz Lenz (@lyzl) June 25, 2022
Police in the nation’s capital prepared with riot gear as black-clad protesters showed up in the city.
Police in riot gear lined up on the street near SCOTUS but quickly moved to the side of the street as Antifa members moved toward them. pic.twitter.com/5QDdZ9gKPU
— Jerry Dunleavy (@JerryDunleavy) June 25, 2022
Protesters blocked roads in some cities where abortion would remain legal, such as L.A. and San Fransisco. “Demonstrators in Los Angeles clogged the 110 freeway as it passed through downtown, blocking traffic. While abortion will remain legal in California, the protesters said they were showing their concern and support for women in other states,” CNN wrote.
Small groups of protesters also gathered at the home of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and another group had planned to protest at Justice Clarence Thomas’ house.
“About eight protesters were seen on Friday night near the residence of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh,” Fox News reported.
This story has been updated with additional information.