Supporters and opponents of President Donald Trump converged on Target Center in Minneapolis for the Republican’s first re-election rally since Democrats in the U.S. House began an impeachment inquiry.
Thousands of demonstrators were outside the basketball arena where Trump rallied with supporters Thursday. Protesters chanted “traitor, traitor” and “Impeach Trump” while waving homemade signs emphasizing their anger with the president’s policies and actions.
The sign-waving and chants would turn to skirmishes and tense standoffs between protesters, Trump supporters and police later in the night.
“He’s a stain on the America that our forefathers foresaw,” said Patricia Siebert, a South Minneapolis resident.
"Traitor! Traitor!" chants break out at the protest. #CHCougars #TrumpMinneapolis pic.twitter.com/5lwezBivr8
— Mark J. Westpfahl (@MarkJWestpfahl) October 10, 2019
Many protesters blew whistles that were handed out as a sign of solidarity with federal whistle blowers who filed complaints over Trump’s request that Ukrainian officials investigate his possible 2020 political rival Joe Biden. That request and other actions are at the center of the Democrats’ impeachment inquiry.
Meanwhile, thousands of supporters filled the 19,500-capacity venue for the evening rally. Some had waited in line since Thursday morning, others for days, to be sure to be a part of the event.
Not everyone who wanted to attend was able to. Christopher Smith, 23, said he had a ticket to the event, but was unable to get inside for an unspecified reason.
The president’s backers carried signs supporting his bid for a second term and many wore the red “Make America Great Again” caps the New York real estate tycoon made famous during the 2016 presidential campaign. Some supporters who were funneled through a crowd of protesters on their way into the arena were showered with jeers and profanities.
Trump supporters are being screamed at as they pass through protesters. pic.twitter.com/WBxzFruwG8
— Karen Scullin FOX9 (@kscullinfox9) October 10, 2019
At least one Trump supporter didn’t have ill will for the protesters. Carter Fallon, 22, of Corcoran, said he supported their right to demonstrate.
“I love it personally, even though I’m a huge Trump guy,” Fallon said. “I love to see people out in the streets, letting people know their opinions.”
Carter Fallon (middle), 22, corcoran, said hes a Trump guy, but would love to see any sitting president. He loves that people protest and that they have that right. Expected to see more Trump supporters in the fray. pic.twitter.com/jWqWgpOv7y
— J.D. Duggan (@JDugganMN) October 10, 2019
The tension outside Target Center grew as the night wore on.
Protesters and supporters clashed with several altercations leading to fistfights. Trump-themed hats and banners were lit on fire and demonstrators engaged in standoffs with supporters of the president and police.
Officers used pepper spray and mounted patrols to disperse crowds that got too unruly. As the police presence increased, demonstrators threw bottles and other objects at officers.
No arrests had been reported by about 9:30 p.m. as Trump was wrapping up his remarks inside Target Center. Police squads were used in at least one instance to ferry Trump supporters away from crowds of angry protesters.
Minneapolis police did not provide an estimate of the size of the crowd in the street or the number of officers on duty.
A large public safety contingent was evident. Officers with helmets, batons and gas masks were around Target Center and a dump truck was used to block off part of Sixth Street near the First Avenue music venue.
A giant inflatable “Baby Trump” was on top of the famed concert hall, across the street. Profits from events inside were to be donated to Planned Parenthood in protest of the president’s visit, the venue’s management said.
Famed nightclub inflates giant "Trump baby" across from site of Minneapolis rally https://t.co/gK0hErzfXb pic.twitter.com/SnWgQqoEyq
— The Hill (@thehill) October 10, 2019
While downtown Minneapolis was largely tense and kinetic Thursday, the mood wasn’t always antagonistic. Greg Smith, 68, of Redwood Falls, and Vern Wagner, 70, of Ramsey, said they were there before the rally to bring some positive energy.
“We’re both professional Santas and we’re about love, joy and hope,” Smith said.
Greg Smith (L), 68, Redwood Falls and Vern Wagner (R), 70, Ramsey, are here to bring some positive energy. Smith: "We're both professional Santas and we're about love, joy and hope."
Wagner took pic w a guy in MAGA hat: "I thought it was a gr8 juxtaposition" pic.twitter.com/A545zvvWmV
— J.D. Duggan (@JDugganMN) October 10, 2019
Tad Vezner contributed to this report.