Politics & Government
Trump Rallies In Minneapolis: Protesters Burn MAGA Hats
Chaos erupted outside of Target Center in Minneapolis when Trump supporters were met by protesters.
MINNEAPOLIS — President Donald Trump made a promise to supporters at his Thursday night rally in downtown Minneapolis: He will win Minnesota in 2020. In 2016, Trump lost the reliably blue state by less than 45,000 votes to Hillary Clinton, a margin of 1.5 percent.
This time around, he's putting extra focus to make sure he can win the state.
Minnesota's local Republican party drew energy and encouragement from Trump's words Thursday.
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The energy at the Target Center tonight is just the tip of the iceberg for what Democrats should expect over the next 13 months. We are excited, we are trained, and we are ready to turn Minnesota red for President Donald Trump in 2020. #TrumpMinneapolis #Trump2020 #KAG
— MNGOP (@mngop) October 11, 2019
The "Keep America Great" rally at Target Center was Trump's fourth rally in Minnesota. This one, however, was held in the heart of the state's most progressive city, sparking dozens of groups to protest the President's visit.
Trump even sparred with the city's top official. Two days ahead of his visit to the city, Trump publicly battled with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. The spat began over a dispute over who would pay for security for the Thursday rally.
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Frey issued a proclamation recognizing Oct. 10, 2019, as "Love Trumps Hate Day" in the city.
Read more: Trump Spars With Minnesota Mayor In Tweet: 'Dump Frey And Omar!'
Rivalry with U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar
Not surprisingly, Trump brought up Rep. Ilhan Omar during his rally, a progressive Democrat who has become one of the President's chief rivals during her first term in the U.S. House.
Trump Thursday called Omar a "disgrace," and added that she is one of the reasons he will carry Minnesota in 2020.
40 minutes into a speech that has focused on the myriad investigations dogging President Trump, Trump turns to U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, whom he calls "an American-hating socialist" and "a disgrace to our nation." "How the hell did that ever happen?" Trumps says of Omar's election.
— Theo Keith (@TheoKeith) October 11, 2019
In August, Omar said death threats against her increased after Trump tweeted a video targeting her days earlier. "Since the President's tweet Friday evening, I have experienced an increase in direct threats on my life — many directly referencing or replying to the President's video," Omar had said.
A video Trump shared included a comment Omar made in a speech at an event for a Muslim civil rights organization. The event took place after the Christchurch massacre in New Zealand.
Read more: Rep. Ilhan Omar: Death Threats Increased After Trump's Tweet
Protests
The end of the rally late Thursday gave way to a tense atmosphere outside Target Center, where Trump supporters were met with protesters.
Matt Finn, a reporter with Fox News, captured video of demonstrators burning "MAGA" hats and other pro-Trump merchandise.
Breaking: outside Minneapolis Trump rally. Protestors lighting Maga hats on fire. Rushing police. Calling them pigs, etc. Escalating scene. pic.twitter.com/HxUFzs8OWF
— Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) October 11, 2019
Hearing that it’s tense out front of the Target Center. As far as I can tell, the only way to get out of the rally is the skyway, routing attendants away from protesters. #trumprallyinminneapolis @MPRnews pic.twitter.com/exX43EvGjN
— Evan Frost (@efrostee) October 11, 2019
Chaos, WITH HORSES #TrumpMinneapolis pic.twitter.com/q6AW6nxamq
— bengarvin (@bengarvin) October 11, 2019
A burned pile of Trump hats at 6th and First. It is still smoldering in places. @MPRnews pic.twitter.com/JEu85skEkJ
— Chris Graves (@chrisgraves) October 11, 2019
Raining pepper spray and rain #TrumpMinneapolis pic.twitter.com/GVacD9y9nV
— bengarvin (@bengarvin) October 11, 2019
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