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A coalition of advocates protested in front of the Office of Puerto Rican Federal Affairs in Midtown, against Wednesday's violent clash in San Juan between college students and police at the Capitolio, the Puerto Rican legislative house.

The students were demanding entrance into the capitol to observe budget hearings.

The Puerto Rican Constitution guarantees public access to the capitol and to opening hearings.

Protestors, as well as journalists and the legislators themselves, were hurt after police used mace and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Some were kicked and hit with batons.

Critics say Puerto Rico's governor and chief of police should step down.

"We're asking that the Justice Department investigate and hold those responsible for these violations of civil and human rights. Hold them accountable, hold them to the law," said Vicente Alba-Panama of the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights.

"It's state-sponsored terrorism, is what it is. You have an administration that is, in essence, throwing its police officers on civilians, people who are peacefully protesting," said Manhattan Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito.

Short of blaming the protestors, a statement issued Friday by a spokeswoman for Puerto Rican Governor Luis Fortuño read in part: "They did not seek to protest peacefully, as common practice shows they clearly would have been allowed to do. Instead, some carried backpacks filled with pepper spray, glass bottles and stones."