Protests erupt in downtown Denver; 8 people arrested

The Denver Police Department tells our partners at 9News they arrested eight people during protests Wednesday night.

There were also reports of graffiti and broken windows along the East Colfax corridor.

Sag Naumann, who works nearby at the State Capitol for the Colorado Senate Republicans, says employees in the Capitol have been relying heavily on Colorado State Patrol to keep them safe.

“Unfortunately, a lot of us just wait and see," says Naumann. "See what days they’re planning on coming; if they’re seeing a large gathering nearby, they try to inform us as early as they can. We do have a text message alert system, too.”

But state patrol can't protect everyone; including the businesses downtown.

Our partners at 9News report postcards being mailed to businesses along the 16th Street Mall, warning them of possible protests and property damage.

In the days leading up to the election, businesses boarded up their windows and doors, as well as installed additional security measures.

Residential buildings nearby also took precautions ahead of last night's protests.

"They've definitely increased security here at our complex," says Amy Craves, who lives in Downtown Denver. "We basically run our errands during the day, and stay in as soon as it get dark." 

Denver Police say they are still assessing the damage from last night’s protests.

So far they have recovered a handgun, knife, hammer and bear spray.

Protesters dispersed around 9 p.m. Wednesday.

The eight people who were arrested are now being held on suspicion of criminal mischief, assault and weapons violations.