On July 17, thousands of people around the world marched and rallied demanding for Puerto Rico’s governor Ricardo Rosselló to step down and resign. A leaked series of chat messages sparked the protests, with messages showing the governor and key aides mocking women, the disabled and Hurricane María victims. The scandal is also tied to allegations of rampant criminal activity, confirming the arrests of two former Rosselló adminstration officials days prior. The historic movement included protesters that ranged from teenagers to retirees, waving Puerto Ricans flag and holding signs expressing their anger against a government allegedly filled with corruption and crime.
New York’s Puerto Rican diaspora demonstrated in Union Square to show solidarity with the massive Wednesday protest occurring in San Juan.
Here are some images of what transpired in New York, taken by photographer Melvin Audaz:
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- Aerial shot of protesters gathered in Union Square demanding the resignation of Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló. (Photo by Melvin Audaz)
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- Victor Pablo from the band of Lion King on Broadway plays at the protest in New York City. (Photo by Melvin Audaz)
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- Spokesperson leading the chants. (Photo by Melvin Audaz)
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- Protesters gather in Union Square to protest against Gov. Ricardo Rosselló. (Photo by Melvin Audaz)
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- Musicians rally with protestors in Union Square to protest against Gov. Ricardo Rosselló. (Photo by Melvin Audaz)
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- Protester holds a sign with hashtag #RickyRenuncia during protest in Union Square. Protesters gather in Union Square to protest against Gov. Ricardo Rosselló. (Photo by Melvin Audaz)
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- Protesters gather in Union Square to protest against Gov. Ricardo Rosselló. (Photo by Melvin Audaz)
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- Luis Miranda, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Melissa Mark-Viverito participate in protest in Union Square against Puerto Rico’s Gov. Ricardo Rosselló. (Photo by Melvin Audaz)
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- Luis Miranda, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Melissa Mark-Viverito participate in protest in Union Square against Puerto Rico’s Gov. Ricardo Rosselló. (Photo by Melvin Audaz)
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- Lin-Manuel Miranda being interviewed during protest in Union Square against Puerto Rico’s Gov. Ricardo Rosselló. (Photo by Melvin Audaz)
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- Lin-Manuel Miranda and his father Luis A. Miranda chant during protest. (Photo by Melvin Audaz)
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- Girl holds a sign during protest in Union Square. Protesters gather in Union Square to protest against Gov. Ricardo Rosselló. (Photo by Melvin Audaz)
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- A protester uses a megaphone during protest in Union Square. (Photo by Melvin Audaz)
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Marlena Fitzpatrick tweets from @MarlenaFitz.
