'So Elated': Celebrations Erupt On Streets Of Philadelphia After Joe Biden Projected To Be Next President Of United States
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- People are taking to the streets of Philadelphia to celebrate Joe Biden's presidential victory after Pennsylvania's 20 electoral votes put the former vice president over the 270 required to win the White House. CBS News and The Associated Press declared Biden the winner on Saturday morning.
As soon as this news came out, the people of Philadelphia celebrated.
"So elated and just breathing a weeks-worth of sigh of relief," one person said.
Videos posted to social media show people dancing in the streets, honking car horns and even doing backflips after learning Biden defeated President Donald Trump.
"We're excited and proud of the city. This is where the country started and we're really proud about it," Matt Covalle said.
In the eyes of Biden supporters, today was a long time coming.
"I teach prominently Black and Brown students and the last four years have been so hard reminding them they matter," Tanya Wilson said.
"We are also cognizant and aware that over 70 million other people who don't feel the same way," said Rachelle Rene. "But in this moment I think for the past four years and maybe more it's been difficult."
City Hall in Philadelphia is popping OFF! pic.twitter.com/950ZsKWjvS
— Ellie Rushing (@EllieRushing) November 7, 2020
"Philly gets a lot of flak for being a gritty town but we celebrate. We celebrate together when these things happen we want to be with each other," one person said.
— Dan Koob (@SporttradeKoob) November 7, 2020
People are celebrating the news of Joe Biden's presidential victory around Philadelphia. Thousands are gathered at City Hall as drivers honk their horns passing by. pic.twitter.com/XOtORAIGo5
— Dan Koob (@SporttradeKoob) November 7, 2020
Broad and Walnut after @CBSNews calls @JoeBiden winner of #2020Elections @CBSPhilly pic.twitter.com/7BU7AxkqVJ
— Howard Monroe (@HMonroeNews) November 7, 2020
Many we spoke with and even Mayor Jim Kenney likened this celebration to the night the Eagles won the Super Bowl back in 2017.
On the Trump campaign side, they've already promised legal action beginning Monday.
The celebrations are causing road closures in parts of Center City.
⚠️Traffic Advisory: The following road closures in Center City are in effect:
— Philadelphia OEM (@PhilaOEM) November 7, 2020
▪️ 6th Street to Broad Street
▪️ Walnut Street to Arch Street
These are rolling closures and will reopen as First Amendment Activity moves. https://t.co/XJmo1LcaLK
Biden's victory came after more than three days of uncertainty as election officials sorted through a surge of mail-in votes that delayed the processing of some ballots. Biden crossed 270 Electoral College votes with a win in Pennsylvania.
CBS3's Dan Koob contributed to this report.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)