US: Further protests by Puerto Rican groups in Atlanta, Washington, DC and Orlando July 16 /update 2

Event

Puerto Ricans have scheduled further protests calling for Governor Ricardo Rossello's resignation for Tuesday, July 16, in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and in Orlando.

In Atlanta, Boricuas United in the Diaspora (Boricuas Unidos en la Diaspora) is scheduled to protest in front of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights office at 17:00 (local time).

In Washington, Boricuas United in the Diaspora has also scheduled to protest in front of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) offices at 17:00 (local time).

In Orlando, another group is expected to gather at the PRFAA offices in Orlando, though the time was not immediately available.

Protests should be expected in the next several days in other major urban centers across the United States, including in Puerto Rico.

A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be expected near all gatherings.

Context

Protesters have marched in Puerto Rico over the previous week to demand that Governor Ricardo Rossello resign following reports published by a non-profit organization exposing conversations between the Governor and his cabinet. The conversations involved the use of sexist, homophobic, and misogynistic language. Despite admitting having written the messages, Rossello has resisted calls to resign.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation has implicated other members of Rossello's cabinet in fraud, conspiracy, and other corruption-related investigations over the last several months, forcing several members to resign.

Advice

Individuals in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Orlando, and across Puerto Rico are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate localized disruptions and a heightened security presence near any demonstrations, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.