Hundreds turn out for ‘March 4 Trump’ rally
Supporters of President Donald Trump gathered in Austin to march and show their backing for the president and his policies.
A few hundred people came out in the rain March 4, to take part in a “March 4 Trump” event, which went around downtown and to the Capitol. The Austin march was part of a nationwide day of support for the president. Supporters gathered in over 50 cities across the nation.
According to the event’s Facebook page, “The point of the event was to support our President and stop the hate! Please join us in this effort to unite the citizens of this great country.” Nearly 700 people RSVP’d to the march on Facebook.
Starting first in Wooldridge Square Park, marchers gathered to hear speeches, pray and play the national anthem. During the gathering, about 15 counter protesters were just a few dozen feet away from the stage where speeches were being given.
During one of the speeches, the protesters began to chant “No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA!” This was quickly met with chants of “USA!” and “Trump!” by marchers.
A number of the Trump supports then met the protesters. A scuffle broke out before police could break up the large group. Police kept in the middle of both sides as a shouting match ensued. One person was arrested, according to APD records.
Trump supporters eventually went back to the rally. The march then started, which went downtown and included a lengthy stop at the Capitol. It continued back to Wooldridge Park. Along the march, numerous arguments broke out between protesters and supporters of the president. However, the march was mostly non-violent.
The same cannot be said for other events across the nation. In Berkeley, California, there were 10 arrests, including four for assault with a deadly weapon, according to Matthai Chakko, a spokesperson for the city. Items confiscated by Berkeley police included bats, pipes and bricks.
One supporter of the president at the march in Austin was Elisa Villalva. Villalva was holding a “Latinos for Trump” sign and said she came out to show her support for Trump.
“He’s doing a good job and we support him and we’re proud,” she said.
Trump noted his appreciation for those who came out across the country to show their support for him.
“Thank you for the great rallies all across the country. Tremendous support,” Trump tweeted out the day after the national rallies.