Thursday night’s “Deploraball” at the National Press Club is the site of massive anti-Trump protests that are becoming heated.

According to reporters and “Deploraball” attendees on Twitter, protesters are physically assaulting attendees and throwing signs and litter at police – and police are using pepper spray and smoke bombs to keep the crowd from advancing.

Protesters have blocked an entrance, though there’s at least one other way to get into the building. pic.twitter.com/rWPCSXwkwM

— Matt Pearce (@mattdpearce) January 20, 2017

Classy.

Trump supporter Phil Capron said a woman punched him in the stomach at anti-Trump protest outside National Press Club. #Inauguration pic.twitter.com/x3KzoT05wU

— Hailey Branson-Potts (@haileybranson) January 20, 2017

Some protesters are likening their struggle to classic civil rights battles.

Tear gassed and pepper sprayed outside of #DeploraBall. This is Selma. This is Tahir. @RefuseFascism #FloodDC pic.twitter.com/qupwxS4zgQ

— Jamel Chapel (@JamNoPeanut) January 20, 2017

Burning flags and dancing…

PROTEST at #Deploraball, Washington DC, #AltRight ball. We are burning Trump hats, American flags. And, we are dancing!! #DisruptJ20 pic.twitter.com/pcZZMR9Cy3

— Lacy MacAuley (@lacymacauley) January 20, 2017

And instead of respecting the rule of law…

Smoke. People seem to be throwing signs and litter at the police. pic.twitter.com/8GcljoMYR7

— Matt Pearce (@mattdpearce) January 20, 2017

Police pepper spray the crowd, some sort of smoke bomb in the air as the crowd advances on Deploraball. pic.twitter.com/izpJmnP7E6

— Jack Smith IV (@JackSmithIV) January 20, 2017

And it looks like they’re planning more tomorrow.

No Amount of pepper spray can legitimize this fascist regime. 9AM McPherson square! RT! @RefuseFascism #FloodDC pic.twitter.com/oNEQmEYXmp

— Jamel Chapel (@JamNoPeanut) January 20, 2017

This is reminiscent of the attacks at the California GOP Convention in April 2016, where people attempting to enter the hotel were assaulted by anti-Trump protesters.

Our prayers for safety go out to the law enforcement officers who are on duty and to all who are attempting to peacefully take part in the inauguration festivities.

We will update the story as more information becomes available.