23 Jul 2019 | 02:37 AM UTC
US: Demonstrators continue to gather in San Juan July 22 /update 8
Mass protest in San Juan continues into the night (local time) of July 22, causing significant transportation disruptions; heightened security presence reported near La Fortaleza
Event
Hundreds of thousands of people participated in a protest march in San Juan on Monday, July 22, to demand the resignation of Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo Rosselló. As of 22:00 (local time), crowds are currently gathered outside of La Fortazela and causing significant traffic disruptions in the area. According to local media reports, police officials have warned the protesters to disperse from the area but have so far refused to leave. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Similar protests related to the ongoing crisis are likely throughout Puerto Rico, and particularly in San Juan, in the coming several days and weeks.
Context
Similar protests demanding the resignation of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló were held throughout Puerto Rico since July 13. The protests were called following a scandal involving hundreds of pages of leaked texts between Rosselló and his cabinet members containing misogynistic and homophobic language Despite admitting to writing the messages, Rosselló has refused to resign.
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has also implicated members of Rosselló's cabinet in fraud, conspiracy, and other corruption-related investigations.
Advice
Individuals in San Juan are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests as a precaution, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.
