Videos of protestors confronting police in riot gear outside the Republican National Committee’s midterm gathering in Dallas went viral on social media on Thursday. Thousands of people have come to oppose President Donald Trump and Republican officials as Day 2 of the RNC midterm conventions proceeds.
Heavy security around the convention as protestors arrested
NBC News reported that one protestor was charged with assaulting a counter-protester, and the other was charged with blocking a road, according to police. The police have confirmed that the incidents happened three blocks away from the event, close to McKinnon and Payne streets. Footage shared online showed mounted police and officers in riot gear standing behind barricades as demonstrators carrying signs, beating drums and chanting anti-Trump slogans marched through nearby streets. Dallas officials coordinated security with federal agencies ahead of the convention, anticipating large demonstrations during both days of the event. Videos show troops of Dallas Riot Police marching on the streets near and around the convention area.
Organisers estimated that roughly 1,000 people would participate in the demonstration. City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert said public safety planning would cost approximately $1.8 million. Because of the convention’s security perimeter, however, police restricted how close marchers could get to the American Airlines Center.
Protesters gathered at Pike Park before marching toward the convention site, according to the coalition. On Thursday, two demonstrators near the RNC midterm meeting in Dallas were taken into custody.
