The main route to Donald Trump’s rally in a Phoenix, Arizona suburb was re-opened Saturday after about two dozen anti-Trump protesters briefly blockaded the road.
Three people were arrested, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
Phoenix’s ABC-affiliate station KNXV reported that the protesters shut down Shea Boulevard as thousands waited to hear Donald Trump speak just miles down the road in Fountain Hills.
The Arizona Republic reported protesters were given the first warning to leave at 10:20 a.m. MST.
Protesters had banners that said “Dump Trump” and shouted “Trump is hate,” according to the Associated Press.
A Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputy told the Associated Press that protesters may be removed by force.
MCSO has arrested 3 protesters after they blocked a public roadway on Shea Blvd, a main entry into Fountain Hills.
— Deputy Enriquez (@DeputyEnriquez) March 19, 2016
Daniel Gonzalez, a reporter for the Arizona Republic, tweeted photos of two of the protesters who were arrested.
Protester chained herself to van blocking Shea Boulevard. Police cut lock. First arrest pic.twitter.com/54sSycgeGu
— Daniel Gonzalez (@azdangonzalez) March 19, 2016
Second man arrested after cut from pickup blocking Shea pic.twitter.com/S8bSLq2Oyi
— Daniel Gonzalez (@azdangonzalez) March 19, 2016
The main route to Fountain Hills was reopened by 11:30 a.m. MST.
The suburb is also where Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio calls home. The frontrunner was in downtown Phoenix, being interviewed by Fox News anchor.
Ok Anti-Trump blockade on Shea Boulevard is over. Traffic moving again. pic.twitter.com/7TTQdReJWo
— Daniel Gonzalez (@azdangonzalez) March 19, 2016
Here’s video of the shutdown from KNXV:
The street was cleared around 11 a.m. MST, per Arizona Republic reporter Daniel Gonzalez.
Ok Anti-Trump blockade on Shea Boulevard is over. Traffic moving again. pic.twitter.com/7TTQdReJWo
— Daniel Gonzalez (@azdangonzalez) March 19, 2016
This is really, really dumb, people.
Protesting is smart. Disrupting is very stupid. And helps Trump as well.
I’m glad to see people protesting just to get the message out there that we’re not all cool with what Trump is saying, but this is bullshit. You can’t stop people from listening to Trump. That’s not how this works. You combat free speech with more free speech, not less.
And if what Trump is saying is so offensive then I want everyone to hear it. Let’s broadcast his message loud and clear so everyone understands what this election is about and shows up to defeat this buffoon. I’ll never understand why anyone wants to let conservative cockroaches hide in the shadows when we should be shining a light on them and let people see them for what they really are.
Let The Donald speak! It’s bound to be hilarious.
Lookit Officer K. Nelson. My 13-year old could grow a better patch of hair on his face. (I hesitate to call it anything more official.) Looks like ArPileO is hiring children.
They are easier to indoctrinate.
Exactly, and this is becoming WAY to prevalent in protests these days. Seems a lot of people want to make the protest about themselves, not some cause. They want to get on TV, etc. In that way, they are not much different than Trump.