US election: armed protesters burn US flags in Portland

A protest march was largely peaceful, but the FBI issued a warning about unrest

A man puts his arms up in front of police officers during protests in Portland, Oregon. AP Photo

Oregon State Police arrest a protester in Portland, Oregon. AP Photo

A person holds up an umbrella in front of a line of police officers during protests in Portland, Oregon. AP Photo

A female demonstrator carries weapons during a protest, the day after Election Day, in Portland, Oregon. Reuters

Police officers follow protesters in Portland, Oregon. AP Photo

Police officers stand on a street corner near protesters, in Portland, Oregon. AP Photo

A man stands in front of a broken display window at a retail store during protests in Portland, Oregon. AP Photo

Black Lives Matter protesters march through the streets of Portland, Oregon. President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden are battling it out for the White House, with polls closed across the United States Tuesday - and a long night of waiting for results in key battlegrounds on the cards. AFP

A person carries a gun while marching on the night of the election, in Portland, Oregon. AP Photo

People march on the night of the election, in Portland, Oregon. AP Photo

A protester yells after a march to the Mark O. Hatfield United States Courthouse on the night of the election, Oregon. AP Photo

Jordan Fletcher watches a crowd of Black Lives Matter protesters while carrying a firearm in Portland, Oregon. After a record-breaking early voting turnout, Americans head to the polls on the last day to cast their vote for incumbent US President Donald Trump or Democratic nominee Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. AFP

A protester checks election results on her phone in front of a cutout of former President Barack Obama during a Black Lives Matter march in Portland, Oregon. After a record-breaking early voting turnout, Americans head to the polls on the last day to cast their vote for incumbent U.S. President Donald Trump or Democratic nominee Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. AFP

Protesters hold letters that spell Count Every Vote as they cross an overpass while marching in Portland, Oregon. AP Photo

Black Lives Matter protesters march through the streets of Southeast Portland, Oregon. President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden are battling it out for the White House, with polls closed across the United States Tuesday -- and a long night of waiting for results in key battlegrounds on the cards. AFP

A man carries a gun as he walks during a march in support of vote counting after the Nov. 3 elections, in Portland, Oregon. AP Photo

Demonstrators burnt US flags and marched through Portland, Oregon, singing protest songs and carrying assault rifles as a confusing election night unfolded, through the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The liberal enclave braced for possible clashes after months of divisive rallies involving left-wing activists, right-wing militias and federal officers sent by President Donald Trump's administration.

No violence was reported in the north-western city.

As Mr Trump claimed he won the election early on Wednesday, despite key states still counting ballots, activists gathered outside the federal courthouse in Portland, the centre of the summer's fraught antiracism protests.

"We don't like either candidate. I shamefully voted for Biden, but if Trump gets another four years people will be mad," said a 20-year-old protester, as two American flags were ignited in front of the building.

Many at the courthouse shouted slogans against Mr Trump, while others danced and twerked to loud hip-hop music.

Portland mayor Ted Wheeler was also singled out for abuse, a target of strong dislike for anti-police protesters. Mr Wheeler won re-election on Tuesday.

The FBI gave a warning about the potential for armed clashes in Portland linked to the polls, but there were no signs of election night activity from right-wing groups such as the Proud Boys.

By the early hours of Wednesday police had not engaged with the protesters, 400 of whom participated in a peaceful Black Lives Matter march in east Portland.

The three-hour march was led by a convoy that included at least half a dozen protesters armed with assault rifles, knives and a shotgun. Rumours and reports about the rapidly changing national and state races, in which votes are still being counted, spread among marchers.

"I heard Trump has the momentum now," said protest leader Ty Ford, 20. "It's going to be a riot. Whenever it comes out, it's going to be crazy."

"It is like picking between two evils but honestly, we'll settle with Biden," said fellow leader D D, 22.

Demands included the abolition of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement and justice for black victims of police violence, including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, before the march ended with a rendition of Hallelujah.

There were also moments of levity as protest leaders cajoled those watching the march from their apartment windows to join the rally.

"Hey, stick your head out the window, tell us how the election is going – and then maybe slip on your shoes and come help us start a revolution," shouted one activist.