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'We don't want you': Protests against Puerto Rican governor continue in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — Rain-soaked protesters huddled under umbrellas Wednesday while waving flags and shouting their message at drivers in Orange County: "We don't want you," they shouted. "You're corrupt!"

Protesters are filling streets here in Central Florida and in Puerto Rico calling for governor of Puerto Rico Ricardo Rosselló to resign after leaked private chats show he made vulgar comments about women and homosexuality.

The Central Florida protests have remained peaceful, while violence has broken out on the island with police using tear gas on the crowds.

The protests in Orlando started Tuesday in Orlando as chants of “Ricky Renuncia!” rang out as protesters gathered at the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration office off Orange Blossom Trail, calling for Rosselló to resign.

“It’s time to stop the corruption,” said Madeline Correa, a protester.

The protests come in the wake of several scandals, the most recent involving the leak of private chats between the governor and other officials that included homophobic and misogynistic comments, in which vulgarities were used to describe women in elected offices.

“He’d rather dehumanize women than listen to them,” said Correa.

Maiya Espada and her husband, Jose Mateo, came out to show their support for the Puerto Rican community in Central Florida and for their loved ones back home.

“I am a veteran. I served in the Army for 25 years. I’ve been in the worst corners of the world but I care for my Puerto Rico and my family,” said Mateo.

Rosello has publicly said he will not step down and has asked for forgiveness, but protesters indicated they’ll keep pushing for him to go.

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