EAST WILLIAMSBURG — As Donald Trump was headed toward an unexpected upset over Hillary Clinton, parties thrown to celebrate the Democratic nominee turned grim.
An event organized by Latino publication Remezcla and political activists from Mijente on Moore Street started off the night smashing a Trump piñata in celebration, but it turned out to be premature as Trump started to pull ahead in states like Florida.
Latino organizers whack down second #DonaldTrump piñata as neck and neck race unfurls. pic.twitter.com/vj3XKBy9NO
— Gwynne Hogan (@GwynneFitz) November 9, 2016
"I'm stressed. A part of me just didn't think it would be this close," said Frances Medina, 27, after Trump started to pull ahead. "I almost want to go to sleep because I feel like my heart is going to jump out of my chest."
As the prospect of a Trump victory became more likely people started to express fear.
"It's frightening that white supremacists are now emboldened," said David Wilson, 37, a lighting designer who'd come for what he hoped might be a celebration. "He will build a wall. There are going to be deportations. There will be a ban on Muslims."
At the Way Station in Prospect Heights people said they were “terrified” and wondering what to do next.
"As we're watching this potential catastrophe it makes me wonder if we're just so disengaged, we need to get more involved on the ground,” Chris Connolly, 36, said. “Is this our fault?"
Back on Moore Street the music was turned off after midnight and the floor was littered with candy from the piñatas.
Jeronimo Saldaña, 37, an activist for Mexican Americans against Trump said he could not “imagine the negative repercussions” from Trump and his supporters.
"Folks are pretty depressed,” Saldaña said. “It's a little startling. We thought this was going to be a blow out."
As folks trickled out after midnight, said Joel Moya, 34, an organizer of the gathering, thanked those who'd come:
"Thank you for coming to the saddest party ever."
