Sporadic Protests and Violence... Divided US Even After the Presidential Election

Trump Supporter Far-Right Group Member Stabbed
Even If Results Come Out, Social Division Likely to Continue

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] "It is surprising that there are still so many people supporting Trump." - Victoria Kenny (40), a Biden supporter living in Florida

"The Supreme Court will make a decision. I am 100% sure Trump will be our president." - Charlie Marlow (73), a Trump supporter living in Massachusetts

In the closely contested 46th U.S. presidential election, no clear winner has emerged, leading to signs of division in American society even after the election. The social division, which had been ongoing with protests and conflicts over racial issues before the election, has continued afterward.

On the 4th (local time), in front of the TCF Center, one of the polling stations in Detroit, Michigan, dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump gathered, shouting slogans such as "Stop the vote count" and attempting to enter the polling station. Police clashed physically with them to prevent their entry into the center. They had gathered and started protesting even before the announcement of Joe Biden's victory in Michigan.

Scattered protests and violent incidents are occurring across the United States. Near the White House in Washington DC, at the BLM Plaza, about 1,000 protesters held a demonstration demanding President Trump's resignation. They shouted slogans such as "If we don't get justice, they won't get peace." Among the protesters, a Black individual was seen shouting at and assaulting Trump supporters.

Eventually, an incident occurred near the White House where the leader and members of a far-right group supporting President Trump were stabbed. According to the Associated Press, Washington police are tracking three suspects who stabbed four people, including Enrique Tarrio, the leader of the far-right group 'Proud Boys,' on the 4th. Tarrio claimed the attack was carried out by a Black civil rights group, but the police responded that it has "not been confirmed."

In Los Angeles, protests continued outside the Staples Center, one of the polling stations. Some protesters who did not comply with police orders to disperse were arrested.

There are also forecasts that sporadic protests and violent incidents will continue even after the election results are announced. According to a survey by a major foreign news agency, 41% of Trump supporters and 43% of Biden supporters responded that they would not accept the results if the opposing candidate won. Additionally, 16% of Trump supporters and 22% of Biden supporters said they would not hesitate to resort to violence or protests.

Professor Caroline Gallagher of America University said, "Supporters of both candidates will cause a situation denying the election results," and predicted, "Violence is likely to occur on either side."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.