Deadly Violence Breaks out in Egypt Ahead of June 30 Protests
Violence erupts in Alexandria, Cairo and Port Said ahead of Egypt's June 30 protests against President Mohammed Morsi; nine legislators resign.
CAIRO — Deadly clashes broke out across Egypt a day before the massive protests scheduled for June 30, while both supporters of President Mohammed Morsi and others demanding his ouster announced open-ended sit-ins and erected tents and stages in different neighborhoods around the capital, Cairo.
In Alexandria, armed confrontations erupted between members of the Muslim Brotherhood movement and opposition protesters. Both sides of daylong, late-into-the-night battle were said to have used various kinds of firearms, mostly guns that use birdshot; dozens of protesters were injured.
During the clashes on Friday night, the Muslim Brotherhood’s Alexandria headquarters was set ablaze as one of its members was shot dead, while American English teacher Andrew Pochter, 21, who happened to be at the deadly scene, was stabbed to death. A 14-year-old died on Saturday after suffering critical injuries hours earlier.
The US Embassy warned its citizens against traveling to Egypt and began a partial evacuation of its staff.
