NYPD: More Than A Dozen Arrested When Post-Election Protests Turn Violent For 2nd Night In A Row

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- It was another night of post-election protests in New York City.

Hundreds of people marched in Manhattan Thursday night.

Some clashed with police, resulting in nearly 20 arrests, but authorities believe outside agitators again played a role in turning the demonstrations violent.

As CBS2's John Dias reports, a sanitation crew spent their Friday morning, cleaning up the mess at Union Square park left behind from another night of chaos.

Dozens of officers tried controlling crowds of hundreds during a few different protests downtown Thursday night. In total, 19 people were arrested.

One cop was pushed to the ground and a chain was pressed against his throat. The suspect was charged with assault, among other things.

New Yorkers are not happy with the violence.

"Police are in a tough position in that, they need to protect population but also themselves," said Matias Racchia.

"We have had enough. We went through a lot during this period and now it's time to come together," another person said.

One West Harlem man says he used to go to rallies before they turned dangerous.

MORE FROM CBS NEW YORK

• Feeling Stressed While Waiting For Election Results? Experts Say Stay Active, Don't Isolate Yourself And Take Breaks
• New York City's New Quarantine Travel Rules Begin, New Jersey Adds States To Advisory List
• COVID-19 Remains A Major Problem In The Bronx As Residents Turn Eyes To New York's Congressional Delegation

"Those ones that are not following rules and regulations, they need to be stopped," said Sammy Garcia. "The ones that are peacefully protesting, those are the ones we have to look at and stand for."

It's the second night in a row demonstrations turned ugly. Police believe outside agitators continue to hijack peaceful demonstrations to wreak havoc.

Wednesday night nearly 60 people were arrested. A taser, hammer, knives and fireworks were recovered from the area.

"We saw people with intent on disrupting peaceful protesters intent on destruction. The small number of individuals had no regard for safety of peaceful protesters," said NYPD Chief Of Patrol Juanita Holmes.

PROTESTS AND POLICE REFORMS

• Writer David Simon, The Wire Creator, Discusses Policing In America With CBS2's Maurice DuBois
• Timothy Cardinal Dolan Throws Support Behind NYPD, Calls For An End To 'Attacks'
• CBS2 Speaks With Members Of Cure Violence Group Man Up! Inc.
• NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams On What's Next When It Comes To Race
• Documentary Filmmaker Marshall Curry Discusses Where The Conversation Goes From Here
• Schomburg Center Releases 'Black Liberation Reading List'
• Black Parents Describe Tough Conversations About Racism With Their Children
• Complete CBS2 Coverage

The Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism John Miller says a handful of radicals are strategically infiltrating protests with tactics from around the globe.

"We've seen is written material that was prepared, including charts delineating different roles that were made by protesters as far away as Hong Kong," Miller said.

According to the NYPD, no officers were seriously injured.

The NYPD released mugshots of five people arrested Wednesday for violent crimes, including assaulting an officer.

When it comes to looting, there were no reports Thursday night or Wednesday.

You can get the latest news, sports and weather on our brand new CBS New York app. Download here.

In:
• New York City Police Department
• New York