on the first day of the convention, a group of protesters stood in front of approximately 30 to 40 delegates from connecticut in an attempt to prevent them from entering the convention. paramedics had to treat an 83-year-old member of the delegation for breathing problems when his credentials were ripped from his neck by a protester. additionally, a black bloc smashed windows of downtown businesses and slashed the tires several police cars, lit one police car on fire, and used a garbage dumpster as a battering ram against another. about 12 protesters were arrested.