Legislators prepared to begin an impeachment process for Puerto Rico's leader as thousands of protesters gathered around the governor's mansion late Wednesday and chanted, "We want peace, and they want war!" as they demanded his ouster.
Frustration and anger began building as the silence from Gov. Ricardo Rossell stretched late into the night despite promises from his spokesman that the governor would address the island amid widespread anger over disparaging comments that he made about constituents as well as corruption.
"Enough already," Puerto Rico Rep. Gabriel Rodrguez told The Associated Press. "The people of Puerto Rico on a social level, on an economic level, on an emotional level cannot take it anymore."
"We waited at 5 p.m., 6, then 7, then 8 at night, and it hasn't happened," Rodrguez said. "He has to put a stop to this. The only one who can bring peace to Puerto Rico is the governor, today, tonight."
"I hope things will change soon," said 27-year-old Tanyanette Ortiz from the eastern town of Juncos. "The people have already realized that great things happen if we truly unite."