While the protesters who tried to disrupt the rally of Donald Trump earlier this week in Albuquerque, New Mexico, didn’t have many major problems with the police patrolling outside the convention center where Trump was speaking, that was certainly not the case at his Friday rally in San Diego.
With the California primary less than two weeks away, Trump spoke at Selland Arena, and outside the building, protesters were rowdy, angry, and more than ready to tangle with local police.
Protesters burned Trump merchandise.
Protesters burn a make America Great Again hat pic.twitter.com/valfvq4Pcl
— Jeremy Diamond (@JDiamond1) May 27, 2016
But soon after, things got nastier with bottles being thrown into the crowd and with some protesters getting physical with police. And the police got physical, as well.
Bottles being thrown into crowds of #Trump supporters and protesters #SDTrumpRally pic.twitter.com/ijts8OuAIi
— CBS 8 San Diego (@CBS8) May 27, 2016
Cops using tear gas and pepper spray, pushing protestors south. pic.twitter.com/TNOso0ZsHx
— The Patriot 1360 AM (@Patriot1360) May 28, 2016
Watch: Protesters outside Trump rally start to attack SD police officers, who hit back. pic.twitter.com/4bSZHVQAck
— Jacob Rascon (@jacobabc13) May 27, 2016
Watch: Police in riot gear push the line forward aggressively, make arrests. pic.twitter.com/hTn5NWq8Db
— Jacob Rascon (@jacobabc13) May 28, 2016
Police give final warning: “If you refuse to leave, we will deploy chemical agents and less lethal munitions.” pic.twitter.com/lecANeys4v
— Jacob Rascon (@jacobabc13) May 28, 2016
Police make good on warning, detain protesters and shoot pepper spray balls. pic.twitter.com/HcmKmsptwk
— Jacob Rascon (@jacobabc13) May 28, 2016
Eventually, the San Diego Police Department ordered the crowd to disperse, and the Los Angeles Times reported that 18 people received medical attention and three people were arrested.
But that apparently was only the beginning.
At 6:37pm PT, a couple hours after Trump’s rally had concluded, this was what the San Diego police tweeted.
**situational update**we are asking the media to please not mingle with the final unlawful protest group as we are about to make arrests
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) May 28, 2016
At the time of publication, it was unclear whether the police made good on its threat. Either way, Trump was impressed.
.@SanDiegoPD– Fantastic job on handling the thugs who tried to disrupt our very peaceful and well attended rally. Greatly appreciated!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 28, 2016
Update 9:13am CT, May 28: Here’s the final tally for arrests made outside the Trump rally.
**Final Update** 35 arrests were made today during the protest. No property damage was reported. No injuries were reported.
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) May 28, 2016
