US PROTESTERS have once more been met with a violent response as highly militarised police, encouraged by President Donald Trump, opened fire with tear gas and rubber bullets on crowds gathered for the eighth consecutive night.

Tens of thousands angered at US society’s deep-seated racism joined demonstrations in most major cities in a popular uprising triggered by the killing of unarmed black man George Floyd at the hands of Minnesota police last week.

Mr Trump’s declaration of war against his own citizens on Monday with a threat to send in the country’s armed forces prompted warnings that his actions would further divide an already fractured society.