Clashes break out during ‘Gen Z’ protest in Mexico City (VIDEOS)

Masked rioters clashed with police outside the presidential palace in Mexico City during the anti-government ‘Generation Z’ protest on Saturday.

Thousands of demonstrators marched from the Angel of Independence monument to Constitution Square, where they gathered outside the National Palace, which hosts the president’s office.

Although the rally began peacefully, a group of masked rioters described by local media as Black Bloc broke through security barriers, hurled stones, and fought with officers.

Videos from the scene show protesters hitting officers, as well as police kicking a protester lying on the ground.

The skirmishes lasted about an hour, after which police used tear gas to clear the square, newspaper La Jornada reported.

The activists say they are protesting corruption, abuse of power, and impunity for violent crime. Many chanted slogans denouncing the ruling left-wing Morena party.

President Claudia Sheinbaum responded by condemning the violence. “If people disagree, they should express their views through peaceful demonstration. Violence must never be used as a means of achieving change,” she said.

Sheinbaum had previously claimed that the protests were driven by “bots and fake accounts on social media” coordinated by “right-wing groups.”