PITTSBURGH (AP) _ Donald Trump’s rally on Wednesday drew thousands to the David Lawrence Convention Center _ as well as hundreds of protesters who gathered outside the venue, chanting and waving signs.
Inside, Trump pumped up the hometown crowd.
“I know a lot about Pennsylvania, and it’s great,” said Trump, who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.
Trump was showing off his knowledge of all things Pennsylvania when he asked a baffling question _ about Penn State’s famed football coach.
“How’s Joe Paterno?” Trump asked supporters. “Are we gonna bring that back? Right? … How about that whole deal?”
Paterno died in January 2012 just months after being dismissed following a child sex abuse scandal involving Jerry Sandusky, his former assistant coach.
A campaign spokeswoman later confirmed that the GOP presidential front-runner wasn’t talking about Paterno himself but about his statue, which was removed from outside the football stadium four years ago, angering students and many alumni.
As his supporters filed out at the end of the rally, they and the protesters engaged in heated verbal confrontations, with supporters chanting “USA!” and “Build that wall!” and protesters shouting profanities. Police in riot gear separated them.
Pittsburgh police spokeswoman Emily Schaffer said there were some minor injuries, including to police officers.
Among those hurt was an 18-year-old Trump supporter who was led to an emergency medical services van and treated after he was pepper-sprayed in the face by a man his friends identified as a protester.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police arrested three individuals during the event.
- Kennon Hooper, 31, of West Oakland is charged with riot, aggravated assault, and resisting arrest.
- Lisa Cuyler, 27, of Polish Hill is charged with riot and aggravated assault.
- Maxwell Yearick, 29, of Perry South is charged with riot, aggravated assault, and resisting arrest.
The arrests happened at approximately 7:46 p.m. outside of the Convention Center. According to the report, police formed a line between opposing parties to ensure the safety of those involved. One Officer was sprayed with pepper spray by a participant – later identified as Hooper – and kicked in the back of the knees and hand. As Officers moved in to arrest Hooper, Cuyler jumped on the back of one of the Officers. Cuyler was then arrested without incident.
Another male – later identified as Yearick – attempted to fight an Officer and began grabbing his protective vest after he was sprayed with pepper spray. Another Officer attempted to arrest Yearick, but he resisted and pushed her away. She fell to the ground and received injuries to her hand.
In total, four Officers were injured. They were all cleared by Paramedics at the scene. Additionally, three civilians were sprayed with pepper spray by event participants. They were also treated by Paramedics at the scene. No additional injuries were reported.
Officers worked diligently throughout the evening to protect the constitutional rights of all parties at the event, while ensuring the safety of participants and spectators.
Additional information provided by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
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