Why are people protesting in Puerto Rico? Here are 5 facts about the growing call for Governor Rosselló to resign

What’s up in Puerto Rico right now? If you’ve been following along on social media, you’ve likely seen countless photos and videos from Old San Juan, where half a million people have gathered to call for the Governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo Rosselló, to resign. Why? It’s a little complicated, but absolutely historic for more than one reason. We can break it down below.

1. A $15.5 million money scandal

Just a few days before close to a thousand private texts were released (discussed more below), the FBI arrested two former senior officials (Julia Keleher and Ángela Ávila-Marrero) in Rosselló’s administration. Why? For allegedly using federal money to fund favored businesses. Basically, they’re accused of taking this money from vulnerable people in Puerto Rico and giving it to businesses that contractors with political connections. This money totals at an estimated $15.5 million and the 23 related charges include fraud and money laundering.

2. 900 pages of sickening private texts

Next up, local sources published excerpts from absolutely disgusting chat messages between Rosselló and other members of the administration, including associates and lobbyists. The chats, which were sent via Telegram, an encrypted messaging app, were filled with homophobic and sexist remarks, including about Carmen Yulín Cruz, the mayor of San Juan. Cruz, you probably know from her standing up to Trump post-Maria (and his recent descriptions of her as “incompetent” and “despicable,” among other things)… And also because she plans to run against Rosselló in 2020.

Oh—And the chat includes “jokes” about dead bodies piling up post-Maria.

The Center for Investigative Journalism published nearly 900 pages of these chats in mid-July, and from there, people were (understandably) outraged.

3. How long have people been protesting?

As of today (Sunday), about two weeks. The protests have been non-stop and, according to reports from people on the ground, have resulted in some bars and restaurants closing early or entirely. On Thursday, the Miami Herald reported that police in San Juan used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse protesters outside of the Governor’s mansion (La Fortaleza).

Keep in mind, that while small protests have happened in Puerto Rico, the size and length of this protest is absolutely historic for the island. While much coverage has been about protests in Old San Juan, they’ve also occurred in other parts of the island, including Ponce.

4. What do protesters want?

In short: For Rosselló to resign.

5. Is there a chance the Governor will be impeached?

Indeed! While protesters are calling for him to resign, the Department of Justice and Office of Government Ethics for Puerto have launched investigations to determine whether the leaked texts suggest actual law violations. If so, it may be enough to begin the impeachment process.

What are people saying on social media? Plenty. Let’s dig in.

New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (whose mother was born in Puerto Rico) weighed in:

Ricky Martin (who was mocked for his sexuality in the leaked messages) tweeted:

Bernie Sanders tweeted support for the protesters:

Here are some shots of the crowd outside the Governor’s mansion, in Old San Juan:

Further back of protesters in the streets:

And at night:

And in the heat:

Early morning yoga:

Seriously, tons and tons of people:

Of course, Trump tweeted lots of inaccuracies:

Hillary Clinton also tweeted support:

As did Kamala Harris:

And Elizabeth Warren: