Protesters and supporters of President-elect Donald Trump clashed outside a pro-Trump event in Washington the night before his inauguration.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the National Press Club, which was hosting the “DeploraBall,” a play on a campaign remark by Hillary Clinton, who once referred to many of Trump's supporters as a “basket of deplorables.”
Protesters yelled “No Trump. No fascist USA!” as police tried to keep them away from the building’s doors.
Some protesters threw objects at police. At least one fire was set in the street. Officers deployed chemical spray at the crowd.
Debris was thrown at one man waving a pro-Trump flag and he was chased to the nearby Warner Theater, where Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity and Geraldo Rivera happened to be outside waiting to go into another event. Hannity engaged hecklers by raising his fist; Rivera laughed and smiled before entering the theater.
Watch: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio Speaks at Protests
In New York City, thousands crowded into Central Park near Trump’s office tower Thursday night for an all-star protest against the incoming administration.
Speakers included Mayor Bill de Blasio, filmmaker Michael Moore, and show business superstars Robert de Niro and Mark Ruffalo.
The event was a rally for city residents who have vowed to pursue their own policies on health care, the environment and other issues during the Trump administration.
Civic-mindedness was a theme throughout the evening.
Movie director Michael Moore urged people to regularly call their representatives in Congress. And actor Alec Baldwin said Americans wary of Trump's policies should become more involved. Baldwin briefly did his Saturday Night Live Trump impression, which has drawn barbs from the president-elect.
Among the groups that helped organize the event were Greenpeace, Planned Parenthood and MoveOn.org.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
