KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A rally from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump spawned a large protest demonstration outside the Midland Theatre on Saturday.
While Trump’s speech inside the Midland was periodically marred by disruptive protesters, Trump himself urged his supporters to be peaceful, and even ordered security at the rally not to hurt the protesters. He did announce that he would soon start pressing charges against protesters at his events.
The scene outside became tense, particularly after Trump’s rally had ended.
Kansas City Police Chief Darryl Forte tweeted that police used “foggers” after protesters were seen throwing objects.
.@kcpolice deploying resources to move masked protesters out of street.Protesters are throwing objects.Foggers w/be used.Still under control
— Darryl Forte' (@sheriffforte) March 13, 2016
Protesters reported members of police crowd control had used pepper spray on the crowd.
As you can see, we were far from what happened and were not involved but he in walked up spraying us pic.twitter.com/f22WB5FAAG
— Chris (@stokith) March 13, 2016
Less than an hour after Trump had left the venue, Police Chief Forte tweeted praise for the officers for keeping the scene safe and under control.
.@kcpolice Thanks to all members of the police department for keeping everyone safe, not only for today but for your service everyday.
— Darryl Forte' (@sheriffforte) March 13, 2016
Four arrests were made, but the scene so far has been free of any large scale violence.
Outside Trump rally right now #FOX4KC pic.twitter.com/wrciY9Slc5
— Molly Rose (@MollyRoseTV) March 13, 2016