16 Photos of Protests That Led Puerto Rico’s Governor to Resign

Kaylee Greenlee /

Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló announced his resignation Wednesday night after days of protests.

Wednesday marked the fifth day of thousands marching in protest of Rosselló after leaked group chats revealed reportedly sexist and homophobic remarks from the governor amid corruption accusations.

“I think for too many decades we’ve been subjected to a government of corruption, of abuse, a government that doesn’t look after the people and only looks after its own interests,” said Héctor Díaz, a 21-year-old student from the southern municipality of Ponce, The Wall Street Journal reported.

“This is the generation that’s going to stand up against corruption, against what for decades has destroyed our country.”

Rosselló will officially step down Aug. 2.

For the fifth day thousands of demonstrators protest against Gov. Ricardo Rosselló on July 17 in front of the Capitol Building in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo: Jose Jimenez/Getty Images)
Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin, center, Puerto Rican rapper Rene Perez, aka Residente, right, and Puerto Rican reggaeton singer Bad Bunny, top, take part in a demonstration demanding Gov. Ricardo Rosselló’s resignation in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on July 17. (Photo: Eric Rojas/AFP/Getty Images)
Thousands of demonstrators protest against Gov. Ricardo Rosselló on July 17 in front of the Capitol Building in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. The sign reads: “Ricky resign.” (Photo: Jose Jimenez/Getty Images)
Demonstrators walk down the Las Americas Expressway, the biggest highway in Puerto Rico, as part of a massive march against Gov. Ricardo Rosselló on July 22 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo: Angel Valentin/Getty Images)
Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin, center, alongside Puerto Rican rapper Rene Perez, aka Residente, march along Las Americas highway as they take part in a national strike demanding Gov. Ricardo Rosselló resign in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on July 22. (Photo: Eric Rojas/AFP/Getty Images)
A demonstrator with makeup depicting tears running down her face before the start of a massive march on July 22 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo: Angel Valentin/Getty Images)
Demonstrators walk down the Las Americas Expressway, the biggest highway in Puerto Rico, as part of a massive march against Gov. Ricardo Rosselló on July 22 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo: Angel Valentin/Getty Images)
Protesters fill the street as they demonstrate against Gov. Ricardo Rosselló on July 19 in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
People march along Las Americas highway as they take part in what is expected to be the largest in a wave of demonstrations demanding embattled Gov. Ricardo Rosselló’s resignation in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on July 22. (Photo: Eric Rojas/AFP/Getty Images).
Protesters demonstrate near a police barricade on a street leading to the governor’s mansion as expectations remain high that Gov. Ricardo Rosselló will step down on July 24 in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Protesters demonstrate against Gov. Ricardo Rosselló near police that are manning a barricade set up along a street leading to the governor’s mansion on July 22 in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Police clash with protesters as they demonstrate against Gov. Ricardo Rosselló on July 22 in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Police are seen as they clash with protesters during their demonstration against Gov. Ricardo Rosselló on July 22 in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Police clash with protesters in front of the governor’s mansion on July 23 in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo: Jose Jimenez/Getty Images)
Police are seen as they clash with protesters during their demonstration against Gov. Ricardo Rosselló on July 22 in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Police clash with protesters as they demonstrate against Gov. Ricardo Rosselló near a barricade set up along a street leading to the governor’s mansion on July 22 in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)