18 Jul 2019 | 09:37 AM UTC
US: Town assembly called due to ongoing crisis in Caguas (Puerto Rico) July 19 /update 5
Puerto Ricans call a town assembly in Caguas (Puerto Rico) regarding calls for Governor Rossello’s resignation July 19; protests likely
Event
Puerto Ricans have scheduled a town assembly regarding ongoing demands for Governor Ricardo Rossello's resignation in Caguas, Puerto Rico on Friday, July 19. Members of the community will gather at 17:00 (local time) at the Sears parking lot at Las Catalinas Mall. The assembly meeting may build tension among protesters and can possibly erupt into a protest.
A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be expected at the meeting.
Protests related to the crisis are likely throughout Puerto Rico, and particularly in San Juan, in the coming several days and weeks.
Context
Wednesday was the fifth day of protests demanding the resignation of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló 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 Puerto Rico, particularly San Juan, and other cities with large Puerto Rican communities are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all public gatherings, and anticipate a heightened security presence and localized transportation and business disruptions.
