Some Pittsburgh college students march to protest Trump win; young Republicans ‘happy for change'

PITTSBURGH — About 150 college students from universities across Pittsburgh held marches Wednesday through the streets of the city in protest of Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election.

Hundreds of students from the University of Pittsburgh gathered at the Cathedral of Learning early Wednesday morning. Police were called in to block streets.

Protesters knocked over a construction barrier and burned a Trump hat, but no one was hurt and no arrests were made.

"It was getting pretty obnoxious. People were burning things and cursing at cops," Angelique Ogunsenow said.

The protest lasted about an hour.

While many of the students chanted, “Not my president,” others called for unity.

"We need to work together. We need to come together,” Pitt student Colin Jones said. “The people have elected Donald Trump as president. Although I’m surprised, I think we need to listen."

A second peaceful march involving students from multiple colleges, including Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University and Point Park University, began in Oakland, went through downtown and ended at CMU. Students stayed on sidewalks as they maneuvered through neighborhoods spreading their message.

“We are protesting the hatred and the bigotry in this country that won an election last night,” CMU student Molly Rohrer said. “(A) peaceful protest. We believe love will always come out on top.”

On the other hand, young Republicans who spoke with Channel 11 News Wednesday were all smiles just hours after Trump’s acceptance and Clinton’s concession speeches.

Pitt student Michael Yorgey, who works for the Pitt Maverick – a right-wing leaning online publication, said Trump’s win left him and other supporters feeling vindicated.

“Everyone was so happy for change,” he said.

Yorgey said the journey was tough for Trump supporters, saying his fellow coworkers and friends were harassed on Pitt’s campus during the campaign.

“The people at the Trump table were getting their table turned over and getting harassed verbally. Nothing physical, though,” he said.

Yorgey said now that Trump has won the White House, he’s hoping college students and the entire country can bridge the divide seen throughout the election process.

“Even Trump said himself the priority right now is to unify the nation,” he said.

Cox Media Group