NEW YORKJoyous New Yorkers poured into the streets on Saturday (Nov 7) after Democrat Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump to win the White House, erupting in celebration as the business mogul and previous star of The Apprentice was told: "You're fired."
Revellers cheered across a city that has sparred for years with the president who rose to prominence in the New York real estate.
A reliable Democratic stronghold, the US financial capital's disdain for the Republican's policies was no secret.
In Manhattan residents yelled and clapped, some waving flags and others banging pots from their balconies as car horns punctuated the applause.
Catherine Griffin cried tears of joy outside with one of her two kids, telling: "I'm happy that Trump has gone from our lives, hopefully forever."
"Having a little normalcy back in our lives, and my kids being able to see a decent human being in charge againthat just makes me happy for the day," the 47-year-old said.
Hundreds of people gathered outside Trump Tower, as large crowds at Brooklyn's Grand Army Plazain a nod to the outgoing president's "You're fired!" catchphrase from his days hosting The Apprenticechanted: "Trump got fired!"
Thousands more began amassing at Times Square and Columbus Circle, where a demonstration to protect the integrity of ballot tallying turned into a giant party.
"Biden has won finally," said JD Beebe, a 35-year-old who works at an online company.
"I just feel like it's a very American moment," he said, adding: "I know the country is split nearly 50/50, but I still think this is a very good day for democracy.
"I'm honestly looking forward to not every day having to be on a roller coaster about what ridiculous thing our leadership is going to say, or what they're going to do to any oppressed portion of the community."