50 arrested during violent election protests in New York City

NEW YORK - The NYPD announced that it had made nearly 60 arrests following protests in New York City on Wednesday night at demonstrators started fires, spit at officers, and threw items, including eggs, at police.

Demonstrators had hit the streets to support “Count Every Vote” as officials in battleground states across the U.S. continue to work to find the victor of the 2020 Presidential Election.

On Thursday, NYPD officials said they had created a new task force to quickly identify perpetrators of violence during protests.

"We saw people with intent on disrupting peaceful protesters, intent on destruction," said Chief of Patrol Juanita Holmes. "The small number of individuals have no for the safety of peaceful protesters."

"If we see any evidence of people intending violence or intending looting, we're going to deal with it," Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

While the main rally had dispersed peacefully, there were reports of fires being set and clashes with police in Greenwich Village.

Police say they confiscated several potentially dangerous items during protests.  They included a stun gun, knives, and M80 fireworks.

“We support everyone’s right to self-expression,” the NYPD tweeted. “But setting fires puts others at risk and will not be tolerated.”

A fire burns in the West Village after protests in New York City. (Credit: @NYPDNews via Twitter)

The NYPD had prepared for protest and potential violence.

Protests also took place across the nation, but there was no sign of some of the widespread unrest that had concerned many in the run-up to the election.