What began as a rally on the Pentacrest ended with a human blockade across I-80 as Iowa Citians from all walks of life banded together to protest president-elect Donald Trump.
The afternoon began with students from City and West High students staging a walk out. An estimate of over 200 students were either taken out of class by their parents, such as Nate Brady did with his daughter, Esti, or simply walked out of campus to march toward downtown.
Students then joined a scheduled rally on the Pentacrest. Protesters, armed with signs and a megaphone, voiced concerns about Trump’s presidency, the Republican stronghold on Congress and the effect these will have on climate change, Black Lives Matter, immigration and healthcare for women and LGBTQ citizens.
University of Iowa students and faculty also discussed increased instances of racism on campus in the past year, including an incident earlier this week involving a racial slur written on a student’s door in Burge Residence Hall.
Occasionally, Trump supporters called out from cars and from across the street. The protesters responded by yelling back, “We love you.”
Eventually, the group moved to sit in the intersection of Iowa Ave. and Clinton St., blocking traffic from all three directions. The rally quickly turned into a protest march, looping from the Pentacrest down Washington St. and back up Dubuque St.
Protesters passed vocal Trump supporters, including a house on Clinton St. with a large Trump banner draped across the second story.
The group proceeded down Dubuque St. during rush hour, slowing traffic to a crawl. Students from the fraternities along the route and the Mayflower Residence Hall yelled messages of support and opposition at the group.
Police followed the march to ensure safety and address conflicts.
Only one incident unfolded when a woman claimed that protester and University of Iowa professor John Logsdon broke the mirror off her car. Logsdon’s information was taken by police but was not given a citation and the woman drove off before police could address her.
Ultimately, the protesters made it to Interstate 80. By forming a human chain, they were able to block eastbound traffic for about 20 minutes.
At this point, state police informed the group that they were unable to guarantee the group’s safety.
The protesters dispersed, heading back toward downtown. Organizers have planned for another rally tomorrow Saturday, Nov. 12 at 4:30 p.m.
Check out the full gallery of the evening as it unfolded below.
Many protesters carried signs as the protest moved throughout town. Protesters voiced concerns over various issues such as the environment and immigration. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
Robert Førland speaks to over 100 protestors on the Pentacrest. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
Kinnisha Entsmingu addresses the reaction to racial incidents at the University of Iowa. This was one of multiple incidents in the past year. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
One of several Trump supporters that yelled from cars and street corners during an anti-Trump protest Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann
Frances Cannon addresses over more than 100 protesters on the Pentacrest. She spoke to her suffragette ancestors and empowering women in light of the election. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
John Logsdon chants as the protest moves onto Clinton St. What initially began as a seated protest at the intersection of Clinton and Iowa turned into a march to I-80. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
Protesters move from the Pentacrest onto Clinton St. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
Over 100 protesters move down Clinton St. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
The protest rounds the corner onto Market St. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
The crowd gets a reaction from some Trump supporters on Clinton St. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
Nate Brady and his daughter Esti, 14, support the march on North Dubuque St. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
Protesters move down North Dubuque Street after marching through downtown. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
Protesters get high-fives from motorists. The protest moved down Dubuque St. during rush hour traffic. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
Despite being stuck in traffic, some motorists offered encouragement. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
Marchers get encouragement from a passing motorist on North Dubuque St. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
Protesters in the northbound lane of Dubuque St. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
Protesters shut down traffic in the eastbound lane of I-80. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
Cars line up as protesters occupy the eastbound lane of I-80. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
Protesters shut down in the eastbound lane of I-80. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
Iowa State Patrol Sargent Darrin Snedden talks with demonstrators, eventually convincing them to leave the interstate. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
Ben Craighton speaks to the protestors on the Pentacrest. Friday, Nov. 11, 2016. –photo by Zak Neumann.
