Selland Arena hosts Donald Trump

Police officers and security guards protect a mass of people filing into Selland Arena from the angry protesters screaming profanity and racial slurs. A sense of excitement lingered, as hundreds of people piled into the arena with ‘Trump 2016’, ‘Make America Great Again’, and ‘Farmers for Trump’ posters and t-shirts. Everyone stood in excitement waiting for the famous business tycoon, when suddenly the speakers started playing “Are You Ready For This” as he appeared from behind the curtains. The Donald Trump rally in Fresno kicked off, May 27. 

I entered the event completely unaware of what to expect. Although politics never especially grabbed my interest , the videos of previous Trump rallies seemed too crazy and entertaining to pass up an opportunity to attend one. Based off of the popular media surrounding Trump, general things to expect of a Trump rally consist of the calling out specific groups of people, and trashing other candidates like Bernie Sanders, Marco Rubio, and most importantly Hillary Clinton. This particular rally presented no exceptions.

Trump sure knew how to get a crowd fired up. He came out immediately addressing a relevant issue to all of his supporters in the Central Valley, the drought. Trump promised that, if elected, his presidency would act as a catalyst, sparking an end to the drought, returning water back into the valley even if it caused the extinction of the Delta Smelt. Trump quickly changed topics covering all sorts of things such as the economic issues of the country, current foreign affairs, and education.

Then things started to get out of hand. Trump started some turmoil in the crowd as he said, ‘We are going to build a wall, and who’s gonna pay for it?’ The crowd then responded by screaming, ‘Mexico!’ Suddenly, I heard some commotion behind me and as I turned around, I saw anti-trump posters raised and protesters screaming words that my mother told me never to say. In an instant, a physical altercation looked inevitable as Trump supporters ran over and got in the faces of protesters.

After reflecting on my time at the rally, I believe Trump enjoyed the chaos, as if he reigns supreme in it. One thing is for sure: In the coming months, as the election heats up, expect drama, controversy, and a war of debates to fill the media as our nation selects the 45th president –Phillip Christopher

Glancing back at the stage, Trump’s devilish smile giggled at the sight of conflict that arose in the stands. Then Trump’s security ran past me, screaming curse words at the protesters, violently grabbed them, and escorted them out of the arena. The crowd cheered as the security forced the objectors out. Trump then continued on trashing his opponents in the election, mainly Clinton. He called her the usual names like ‘Crooked Hillary’ calling her corrupt and a liar. Then he made a point to say that “she doesn’t even look presidential.”

After about 10 more anti-Trump demonstrators received escorted exits by security and Trump finished his rants about liberals and our current presidential administration, the rally concluded but the party just began. As I exited the arena, I spotted RIOT team officers lined up on the sidewalks with cars parading around, flying Mexican flags and anti-Trump posters. Fellow Feather staffer, Jarrod Markarian and I decided to go investigate the commotion.

We quickly regretted the decision as the officers pulled their riot shields out and forced us to go into the middle of all of the protesters. Protesters screaming and taunting the Fresno PD officers saying, ‘Are you going to shoot me for protesting?’ Pure chaos filled the streets. It reminded me of something you seen on TV, something that appeared so foreign took place in front of my eyes.

Through all of the unrest and constant taunting of the police officers, I commend the Fresno PD for the way they handled the situation. Fresno police chief, Jerry Dyer personally took on the protesters, trying to peacefully calm them down and get them to go home. All the officers that I came in contact with delivered stern but polite instruction, simply trying to keep the peace.

At some point during all of the craziness, gates opened up behind the arena and a police escort consisting of motorcycle police, cop cars, and three SUVs sped out from the underground parking garage. Through the tinted windows of one of the SUVs I saw Donald Trump’s hand wave to all of the angry people as they zoomed off to the airport. As the police escort and Trump left the area, the demonstrators started screaming profanity and throwing trash at Trump’s car. Soon after this I decided to call it a day and head home.

Overall, the Trump rally was an unforgettable experience. As protesters called me an ‘entitled white boy’ and I witnssed security remove anti-Trump supporters literally feet away, a dull moment never occurred. After reflecting on my time at the rally, I believe Trump enjoyed the chaos, as if he reigns supreme in it. One thing is for sure: In the coming months, as the election heats up, expect drama, controversy, and a war of debates to fill the media as our nation selects the 45th president.

For another political article read, Donald Trump as political maverick.

This writer can reached via twitter: @Phillip11499 and via email: Phillip Christopher.