‘So much for free speech’: Trump supporters bashed for shoving protesters out of Las Vegas rally
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: A campaign event for former President Donald Trump in Las Vegas on Saturday, Janaury 27, descended into chaos as groups of Trump supporters aggressively ejected protesters from the rally venue.
The clashes provided a stark imagery of the anger still simmering within Trump's base years into Joe Biden's presidency.
What began as a routine rally for Trump to galvanize supporters quickly spun out of control, foreshadowing the potential powder keg surrounding the 2024 election as the former president makes another run for the White House amid his firm grip on the Republican party, as reported by The Daily Mail.
Trump supporters shove protesters out of venue at Las Vegas rally https://t.co/pOZxwwXlfJ pic.twitter.com/0puHBHs2Qc
— New York Post (@nypost) January 28, 2024
Trump supporters physically eject protesters during rally in Las Vegas
The event turned chaotic at times as groups of Trump supporters confronted protesters in the crowd. Video shows supporters aggressively shoving protesters carrying American flags and anti-Trump signs out of the venue while shouting insults.
Trump appeared to try to calm the situation, saying "No, they're actually friends - enthusiastic friends." But supporters continued ejecting protesters from the event throughout the former president's speech.
The clashes came on the heels of a court order requiring Trump to pay $83.8 million in damages to writer E Jean Carroll for defaming her after she accused him of rape in 2019. Trump continues to deny the allegation.
Vice President Kamala Harris held a competing rally for Nevada Democrats the same day just miles away, marking the latest proxy battle between Trump and the Biden administration in early primary states.
Trump appears poised to lock up Republican presidential nomination
Trump is fresh off victories in the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary and appears poised to lock up the Republican nomination despite facing no serious challengers.
In his speech, Trump dismissed the importance of Nevada's upcoming presidential primary, scheduled for February 6, urging his supporters instead to participate in the state Republican Party's separate caucus contest on February 8.
"Remember this, we all call it a primary, but I like calling it a caucus because it is," Trump said. "Your primary vote doesn't mean anything – it's your caucus vote." The conflicting messages stem from Nevada's unusual decision to hold both a state-run primary and a party-run caucus this year.
The state Republican Party has said it will ignore the primary results and allocate all delegates through the caucuses.
Internet criticizes altercation between Trump's supporters and protesters
Upon learning of the altercation between Trump's supporters and protesters at his Las Vegas rally, the online community swiftly criticized the former president and his followers. One X user expressed concern, stating, "This is why he can’t be president—his supporters are too violent."
This is why he can’t be president— his supporter are too violent.
— Jedi Rich (@jedirich_) January 28, 2024
Another lamented, "So much for free speech."
A third user expressed disdain, stating, "Seriously… boohoo."
Another criticized, "Too much koolaid."
A fifth user weighed in with a more critical perspective, stating unequivocally, "He hates the truth."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
