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riversedge

(70,016 posts) Thu Oct 4, 2018, 04:05 PM Oct 2018

Crowds, protesters alike gather in Rochester ahead of Trump rally

Last edited Fri Oct 5, 2018, 09:17 AM - Edit history (1)

Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune

As Trump supporters waited in line for evening rally at Mayo Civic Center, large group of protesters marched nearby.

By Judy Keen and Kelly Smith Star Tribune staff writers
October 4, 2018 — 2:51pm

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Aaron Lavinsky – Star Tribune

Gallery: Dave Hamann, of Lanesboro, attended Thursday's rally because he says "I just despise Trump." Hamann says he's a Vietnam War veteran and "It's people like Trump that get us into wars."

Stan Thom, of Big Lake, Minn., drove 120 miles Thursday morning to see President Trump speak at 6:30 p.m. He arrived in Rochester at 7 a.m.
Mark Vancleave

ROCHESTER — Huge crowds of people waited outside Mayo Civic Center Thursday for a chance to see President Donald Trump at an evening campaign rally, while hundreds marched nearby in protest of the president's visit.

Air Force One arrived at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport right on schedule at 2:30 p.m. Upon disembarking, Trump was greeted by a small group that included two of Minnesota's Republican congressmen, Rep. Tom Emmer and Rep. Jason Lewis. ..........................................

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Security staff at the hotel were barring entry to all but ticketed guests, as police officers and canine units set up security checkpoints at the hotel's entrance. A helicopter circled overhead, while armed guards stood on the roof. Cranes and heavy equipment were parked to barricade the hotel from the traffic circling past the airport's arrival and departure gates.

Back down in Rochester, Randal Thom of Lakeville had the first spot in line, having arrived at 5 a.m. on Wednesday and camping out overnight. The 58-year-old said it was his 41st Trump rally — he started a group of diehard fans who call themselves "front row Joes." ............................................

"We're going to have a red tsunami," Thom said.

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While the protests passed close by, Trump supporters in line were urged to not engage. Just before noon, a PA announcement sounded outside the Civic Center. It warned people in the crowd not to touch protesters and to instead surround them and chant "Trump, Trump, Trump" until they can be "removed." Then it starting playing excerpts from past public remarks by Trump..................................

Read more: http://www.startribune.com/crowds-gather-in-rochester-ahead-of-trump-rally-in-rochester/495182081/

So glad to see the protesters.

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Hundreds of anti-Trump protestors marched from Soldier's Field Veterans Memorial in Rochester to downtown Thursday in anticipation of President Donald Trump's rally at the Mayo Civic Center.

7 replies

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Highlight:

Crowds, protesters alike gather in Rochester ahead of Trump rally (Original Post) riversedge Oct 2018 OP

"The 58-year-old said it was his 41st Trump rally" bearsfootball516 Oct 2018 #1

he'sprobably on Social Security Disability onethatcares Oct 2018 #3

Why did he fly into MSP? Rochester has an international airport. LakeSuperiorView Oct 2018 #2

He was at a fundraiser in MPLS riversedge Oct 2018 #4

The 10,000-capacity civic center was full for the rally, with many more left to watch the speech on riversedge Oct 2018 #5

The guy in the top pic - that's an AWESOME idea for a Halloween costume FakeNoose Oct 2018 #6

Smaller gloves would be a nice touch... LakeSuperiorView Oct 2018 #7

bearsfootball516

(6,372 posts)

1. "The 58-year-old said it was his 41st Trump rally"

Reply to riversedge (Original post)

Thu Oct 4, 2018, 04:08 PM

Oct 2018

Good Lord, this guy has nothing else to do than literally follow Trump across the country.

onethatcares

(16,161 posts)

3. he'sprobably on Social Security Disability

Reply to bearsfootball516 (Reply #1)

Thu Oct 4, 2018, 06:10 PM

Oct 2018

and wants to make sure they get rid of the takers.

LakeSuperiorView

(1,533 posts)

2. Why did he fly into MSP? Rochester has an international airport.

Reply to riversedge (Original post)

Thu Oct 4, 2018, 05:36 PM

Oct 2018

I prefer he stay as far away as possible.

riversedge

(70,016 posts)

4. He was at a fundraiser in MPLS

Reply to LakeSuperiorView (Reply #2)

Thu Oct 4, 2018, 08:31 PM

Oct 2018

riversedge

(70,016 posts)

5. The 10,000-capacity civic center was full for the rally, with many more left to watch the speech on

Reply to riversedge (Original post)

Thu Oct 4, 2018, 08:51 PM

Oct 2018

sure are a lot of delusional folks IMHO

............“I just want to come and see the president. He fights for the people,” said Cheryl Ortega, 43, of Fairmont, who was in line by 5:15 a.m. John Gordon, of Ellendale, described the atmosphere: “It’s history,” said Gordon, 60, who works at a glass business. “I just want to hear what he’s got to say.”

The 10,000-capacity civic center was full for the rally, with many more left to watch the speech on giant screens outside.

By early afternoon, with Trump’s rally scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m., a large crowd of protesters marched through downtown Rochester clutching balloons that looked like Trump, and signs that read “I am greater than fear” and “remember to vote.”

The group stopped downtown, one block away from Trump supporters lined up outside the civic center, and chanted “white, black or brown, all are welcome in our town.” Rochester police estimated about 500 people were involved in the march.

“The Republican Party has changed a lot. It’s gotten really far right,” said Diane Nagel, 67, a retiree from Owatonna who said it was her first time participating in a protest.................................

http://www.startribune.com/crowds-gather-in-rochester-ahead-of-trump-rally-in-rochester/495182081/