An Associated Press reporter at the scene said protesters used burning logs and cinder blocks to setup roadblocks, firing automatic rifles into the air and denouncing President Mohammed Morsi, Prime Minister Hesham Kandil and the provincial governor.
The interior minister however was able to reach the site, staying about 10 minutes before leaving under shouts and jeers from the crowd.
Crowds also shouted and jeered at Kandil upon his arrival at Assiut's main hospital, where wounded were being treated. Residents of the province are known to be heavily armed and many hold tribal alliances.
