Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) texted supporters Monday asking them not to protest on the floor of the Democratic National Convention.
“I ask you as a personal courtesy to me to not engage in any kind of protest on the floor,” Sanders wrote in a text message to his delegate whips, Yahoo reported. “Its [sic] of utmost importance you explain this to your delegations.”
The text was signed “Bernie.”
The convention kicked off to a loud start with “Bernie!” chants from the audience. Hacked internal DNC emails were published online over the weekend by Wikileaks showing staffers had brainstormed ways to undermine Sanders’ candidacy in favor of Hillary Clinton.
Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH) was named the permanent DNC chair and was booed during her speech opening the convention.
“May I just make a point,” Fudge said. “There are many of you that do not know me in this room, but let me say to you, I intend to be fair, I want to hear the varying opinions here. I am going to be respectful of you and I want you to be respectful of me.”
Sanders was expected to speak sometime in the 10-11 p.m. ET speaking slot.
This post has been updated.
