Al-Jazeera English is showing live broadcasts from the Egyptian capital, where law and order appear to be breaking down.
Protestors have been ordered home under a 6 PM curfew. Al-Jazeera English is reporting that many people are trying to force themselves onto public transport to get home, while others are continuing the protests which are the most forceful in 30 years.
The headquarters of the NDP, President Hosni Mubarak’s party, is on fire. The building is located near critical government facilities like the Interior Ministry and the Foreign Ministry, according to Al-Jazeera English is reporting.
Protestors on the video appear to be trying to shove armored police vehicles into the Nile River, while video footage shows at least one police vehicle on fire. Explosions and gunfire can be heard in Cairo as the army has been called in to reinforce the curfew. Unconfirmed reports from Al-Jazeera are reporting that at least some police are taking off their uniforms and joining the protests, and there are early reports that a police station in Alexandria is on fire.
The Muslim Brotherhood announced yesterday that it would join the protests, but at this time it is difficult to see who is participating or directing the rioting. Egypt has arrested many leaders of the MB, the nation’s largest opposition group.
PJ Crowley, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs, has posted a Twitter message stating “Reform is vital to #Egypt‘s long-term well-being. The Egyptian government should view its people as a partner and not as a threat.”