Washington's Metropolitan Police Department clashed with anti-Donald Trump Donald John TrumpHR McMaster says president's policy to withdraw troops from Afghanistan is 'unwise' Cast of 'Parks and Rec' reunite for virtual town hall to address Wisconsin voters Biden says Trump should step down over coronavirus response MORE protestors Thursday night outside of the National Press Club building.

A reporter for NBC4 said protesters also set off smoke devices, contributing to the atmosphere of chaos ahead of Friday's ceremonies.

Police spokesman Hugh Carew said he could not confirm whether officers had used tear gas.

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A Hill reporter on the scene said people were dancing with music blaring amid the large police presence. The group was projecting images onto buildings, yelling "f--- Trump" and taking photos with a large inflatable elephant with "racist" written on it.

At one point, protesters set a small fire, according to social media reports.

The Metropolitan Police Department told The Hill on Friday that it only made one arrest related to the inaugural activities.

"The Metropolitan Police Department announced an arrest has been made in a Conspiracy to Commit an Assault offense that occurred in the 500 block of 14th Street, Northwest. After a thorough investigation, it was determined that several individuals made plans to disrupt inauguration activities in an unlawful way," the department said in a statement.