This is a little more political than what I write about normally: protesters-call-for-fragging Luckily these idiots are more about the theater/carnival aspect of protest than upon actually doing anything. It is worth noting that these people actively promoting violence, while demonstrating 'peacefully.'

I have been caught in a few street protests (in a few different countries) and the pattern of behavior is generally the same. People become a group. Formal or informal leaders emerge and give it some direction. A few of the braver ones start to push the envelope. Maybe others in the crowd can calm them down, or maybe they join in. As soon as you have a pair 'one upping' each other you are well on your way to a genuine riot. Once an individual realizes that for all practical purposes he is beyond the immediate reach of the law the glass starts breaking and the rocks start flying.

As an individual, regardless of your position on the issue under protest it is time to leave before things turn to violence. The police-report/complaint process is going to break down. These situations are fantastic opportunities for street criminals, because the police do not have the resources to respond to a mugging or other property crimes.

As a business owner in the effected area, Unless you have great insurance I would probably head on down to work and make sure that your business doesn't burn. If you were looking for a chance to wear body armor and protective mask this is probably it. Stay off the street, don't antagonize the protestors or the police.