Thousands of protesters descended on Hamburg, Germany to demonstrate against this week’s G20 summit, an international meeting of the world’s top economies. While the anti-capitalist activists perhaps had plans to demonstrate peacefully, the situation quickly turned violent as protesters threw rocks, glass, and iron bars at police. Seventy-six officers were reported to have been injured.
The protests became so disruptive that First Lady Melania Trump was prevented from accompanying her husband to Friday’s spousal program, where the high profile couples were invited to a boat ride, lunch and a climate change briefing, according to ABC News.
But, Mrs. Trump was trapped in her guest house. Her spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, said the situation was “unfortunate,” but Mrs. Trump is “completely safe.”
Thinking of those hurt in #Hamburg protests. Hope everyone stay safe! #G20
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) July 7, 2017
German Justice Minister Heiko Maas had no patience for the violent activists.
Maas said, “Every peaceful protest is welcome. But that is no free pass for unrestrained rampage.”
The minister added that, “these extremist criminals don’t belong in the streets, but into court. Whoever torches cars and injures police officers does not deserve any kind of tolerance.”
On the agenda Friday at the summit is President Trump’s first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as a meeting with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto.
The first footage of Trump's handshake with Putin has dominated headlines.