KGUN 9News

Actions

Protesters, supporters swarm Trump rally

Posted at 5:28 PM, Mar 19, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-19 22:30:47-04
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - The day began Saturday with mostly Trump supporters who were lining up outside the Tucson Convention Center as early as 6:00 a.m.
 
One of those supporters, Joseph Buttacavoli, arrived around 8:00 a.m. and told KGUN9, he's waited in line for many things before, but this wait is one of the most important to him. 
 
"iPhone, Jordan release - you name it... I've done overnights..., this is really nothing to me," Buttacavoli laughed. 
 
Buttacavoli said he grew up in New York and has always watched Trump throughout his life. He said the republican front-runner has added jobs to his hometown.  
 
"I like that he knows what he wants, he sticks to the same plan, he's aggressive - that's what the country needs."
 
Many of the other people waiting in line, also shared that stance. 
 
"He speaks how he feels," Judy Thomas said. "He's not your typical - he's not a politician, so I like everything about him."
 
But, the mood changed around 12:00 p.m. on Saturday as a group of protesters came with signs. They went around chanting many phrases, like "Dump Trump" and "Shame on You" to those waiting in line. 
 
One of those protesters, Ben Garland, told KGUN9 - he was disgusted and sadden by the show of support Trump saw in Tucson. 
 
"I believe that Donald trump is going to ruin what America looks like in the eyes of the rest of the world," Garland said while walking with a group around the convention center. 
 
"He's not promoting American values - he promotes racism, he promotes hate and intolerance and that's not what America is about," Garland said. 
 
Outside - KGUN9 did not witness any violent altercations. However, many harsh words and language was exchanged among the opposing groups. Inside - KGUN9 did witness multiple instances of violence that were handled by Trump's security staff.