Protesters began organizing this weekend to crash a Donald Trump rally in Janesville, Wisconsin.
As of Monday morning, the Janesville protest page has at least 1,200 individuals who say they will protest Trump Tuesday morning at the Janesville Conference Center and around 2,200 expressed interest in participating.
The organizer, Nikki Mittenns, states on the Facebook page:
Republican front-runner Donald Trump is planning on showing up in Janesville Wisconsin on Tuesday. Let’s come together and let him know we do not support him nor his hateful message – and make this the largest protest Janesville has ever seen!
We will not stand for hate, bigotry, and xenophobia in a presidential candidate, nor in our city! Spread the word, and let’s make a huge showing at this event! 1,200 and counting!
Bring your friends, and protest signs!
This is a peaceful event. Violence will not be tolerated!
Janesville Police Department Chief Dave Moore told the Gazette Extra that he does not know how many law enforcement officials will handle the event, which is slated to begin at 3 p.m. The protest is scheduled for 11 a.m.
If the Holiday Inn, Trump’s people or the U.S. Secret Service want disrupters removed, “It is private property, and that’s their right,” Moore said.
Mittenns, whose brother Josh is also an organizer, is reportedly working with Standing Up for Racial Justice and posted on the group FB page, “If we have to, we will ask (police) to have somebody removed so the event will remain peaceful and positive,” Mittness said.
“But hopefully it will not come to that,” later noting:
“If the situation does start getting heated for any reason, walk away and do not engage them. We are NOT going to stoop to their level and allow violence to ensue. That is exactly what Trump wants. Be the bigger person!”