Hundreds Of Boricuas Braved Last Night's Rain To Demand Puerto Rico Governor's Resignation

Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin, front atop truck, participates with other local celebrities in a protest demanding the resignation of governor Ricardo Rossello in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Monday

While hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans jammed the streets of San Juan on Monday to demand the immediate resignation of governor Ricardo Rosselló, hundreds of New Yorkers braved torrential rain to show solidarity with their fellow Americans.

The rally began in Columbus Circle and eventually ended up in Grand Central.

Rosselló has struggled in his efforts to rebuild after Hurricane Maria, and many decisions are left up to a fiscal control board appointed by Congress that has been imposing austerity measures, cutting sick leave, wages, and vacation pay. Two of Rosselló's senior officials have been charged with attempting to steal millions of dollars.

Earlier this month, Puerto Rico’s Center for Investigative Journalism published reams of cruel, arrogant, homophobic text messages between Rosselló and 11 of his advisors. About former City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Rosselló suggested that someone should "beat up that whore" (he later apologized).

A slew of New York City's public officials, including Mayor Bill de Blasio, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Comptroller Scott Stringer have called for Rosselló's resignation. Rosselló has said he will not run for reelection in 2020, but has so far refused to step down.

On the way to Grand Central, protesters chanted, "Ricky renuncia y llévate a la junta!" ("Ricky resign, and take the board with you.")