"Our Streets, Their War"

Shouting “our streets, their war,” more 10,000 demonstrators flooded into downtown St. Paul’s narrow streets on the steamy first day of the Republican National Convention - greeting delegates with a hearty expression of displeasure for the Bush administration and John McCain’s presidential campaign.

While block after block of marchers chanted and peacefully waved signs, some bands of protesters splintered off and smashed windows at Macy’s and a downtown bank building.

Hundreds of cops, sweltering in heavy riot gear, swept in to block streets and protect delegate buses as the St. Paul police requested help from 150 National Guard troops by Monday afternoon.

About 300 riot police in a V formation pushed about 200 protesters up against the water beneath the Science Museum at about 5:30 p.m.

Daniel Streltz, a photographer who was at the scene, said police ordered protesters to disperse, and the protesters sat and linked arms.

They were told they would be arrested if they didn’t disperse, Streltz said.

There were ambulances and police vans on the scene.

At least 53 people were arrested, several were pepper-sprayed and tear-gassed and St. Paul hospitals reported six minor injuries and several heat-related cases in emergency rooms.