7 striking photos show how massive the Puerto Rico protests really are

Ryan W. Miller

In one of the largest protests in the island's history, thousands of Puerto Ricans have flooded the streets in recent days to protest against Gov. Ricardo Rosselló.

Rosselló has been deep in controversy after a leak of hundreds of pages of texts showed the governor writing messages to male members of his administration that contained misogynistic and homophobic language.

President Donald Trump along with many others have called on Rosselló to step down. The politician, the son of a former governor, has refused but said he won't seek re-election in 2020.

Despite surviving other controversies around government corruption and recovery efforts from Hurricane Maria, "Chatgate" has proved more difficult for Rosselló.

Why people of Puerto Rico are angry: Here is what's fueling the major protests

Here are seven photos that show how massive the protest really are:

An aerial view from a drone shows thousands of people as they fill the Expreso Las Américas highway.
An aerial view from a drone shows thousands of people as they fill the Expreso Las Américas highway.
More people taking to the Las Americas Highway in San Juan.
More people taking to the Las Americas Highway in San Juan.
Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin, front atop truck, participates with other local celebrities in the protest.
Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin, front atop truck, participates with other local celebrities in the protest.
Demonstrators march on Las Americas highway.
Demonstrators march on Las Americas highway.
Buses and people march along Las Americas highway.
Buses and people march along Las Americas highway.
A barricade set up along a street leading to the governor's mansion in Old San Juan.
A barricade set up along a street leading to the governor's mansion in Old San Juan.

Contributing: Susan Miller and John Bacon. Follow USA TODAY's Ryan Miller on Twitter @RyanW_Miller

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Puerto Rico protests: Photos show massive San Juan demonstrations