By Humphrey Musila
Staff reporter
hmusila@jccc.edu
Presidential hopeful Donald Trump visited Kansas City on Saturday ahead of the Missouri primary next week. However, following a cancellation of a rally in Chicago and a protester rushing the stage in Ohio, Trump faced additional opposition at the Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. Trump was interrupted several times, causing the GOP frontrunner to vow to press charges against protesters who continued to disrupt his speeches.
Trump’s initial calls for the arrest of protesters came after he was disrupted several times at the beginning of his speech. His speech started 30 minutes late and several protesters were forcibly removed.
“They deserve to be arrested,” said Trump. “I hope these guys get thrown in jail — they’ll never do it again.”
The protests at Trump rally #trumpinkc #TrumpRally #TrumpRallyKC pic.twitter.com/3BihgPOcn7
— The Campus Ledger (@thecampusledger) March 13, 2016
Later, Trump said he doesn’t like seeing people arrested but he has no choice.
“I don’t want to do that. I don’t want to ruin somebody’s life. They’re probably good kids,” he said.
As the protesters continued to disrupt his rally inside the Midland Theatre, huge crowds formed on Main Street. Police used pepper spray two times according to the Kansas City police.
We had to use pepper spray 2 times outside Trump rally and arrested 2 people who refused to follow law. (1/2)
— kcpolice (@kcpolice) March 13, 2016
Protesters continued to protest long after the rally was over.
Trump supporters packed the theater to capacity, and despite disruptions by the protesters, Trump went ahead and addressed the crowd, talking about his businesses and noting that he was against the military going to Iraq.
“I was greedy for my business. Now I’m greedy for the American people,” Trump said. “In the Middle East they are chopping off the heads of Christians. This hasn’t happened since medieval times.”
Trump also reiterated the idea of building a wall in Mexico and vowing that Mexico will fund it.
Despite the protesters, several supporters expressed their motivation in support for Trump.
“I like that he is honest and that he funds himself,” said Dylan Eckstein, Trump supporter. “He does care about America.”
The Missouri primary is on Tuesday, March 15.