Post-Election Protests Disrupt Peace Of Downtown Neighborhood
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Three days of unrest prompted by America's choice of President-elect Donald Trump have left the streets of downtown flooded with protestors every night since the election.
Friday night's protest organized by the Next Generation Action Network saw hundreds of people marching through the streets of Downtown Dallas.
The group was rowdy at times and left a window broken at a nearby Hooters restaurant as marchers swept through the area.
Hundreds of protesters were seen marching in the street, blocking off the path for residents, businesses and traffic for most of the evening.
"It gets pretty scary when there's a big protest coming down Main Street," said Daisy Rendon, manager of downtown eatery Wing Bucket. "It's a little overwhelming to have so many of them to come on because we're trying to run a business."
Rendon said each time there is a rally in downtown, her restaurant not only takes a hit, but so does her team's sense of security.
"Oh, is it going to be calm again? Is someone going to come and try to start chaos?" questioned Rendon.
Since the July 7th police ambush shooting, several protests have broken out -- a few a month sometimes in downtown.
"Hey great, the 1st Amendment," said David Johnson, a downtown resident. "But when you start doing it night after night after night, pick another place perhaps?"
Johnson said during every protest, he has to make sure his daughter can get home from school, he has enough food and doesn't have plans to go anywhere since he is usually trapped for the evening.
"It's when they get in the middle of the street that it starts getting a little annoying," said Johnson.
Johnson said while he applauds every protester for exercising their rights, he said the frequency of the rallies and marchers put stress on his family and fellow residents.
"After a while, it gets a little old," said Johnson.
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