Several Hundred Demonstrators Gather In Philly To Protest Trump, GOP Retreat

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Several hundred demonstrators have gathered to voice their concerns to the new administration as President Donald Trump makes his first official visit to Philadelphia.

Traffic Restrictions In Philadelphia for Trump Visit

CBS 3's Joe Holden reports the protests began at the Thomas Paine Plaza in Center City and then they marched around City Hall.

Protesters began showing up around 11 a.m. and the numbers have grown since then.

Many of the signs in the plaza are reflecting people's opinions about not having the Affordable Care Act repealed.

PHOTOS: Hundreds Take To Philly Streets To Protest Trump, GOP Retreat

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross says the protests have been "very peaceful" so far.

"Great so far, it's early, a lot of people up on the plaza, very peaceful, very engaged group, but we got a long day ahead of us," said Ross. "We'll see what happens at the Loews."

The Loews Hotel is where the Republican congressional retreat is taking place.

According to CBS 3's Joe Holden, police have somewhat penned in the protesters and keeping it streamlined as the entire area is paralyzed.

The Sanitation Department has trucks blocking Market Street heading eastbound.

At one point, police drew a line at the BNY Mellon building in center City after an attempted breach by protesters. No arrests were made.

KYW Newsradio's Tim Jimenez reports protesters are demonstrating at 13th and Market Streets.

The congressional delegation is staying at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel on 12th and Market Streets through Friday.

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