Exclusive Footage: Thousands Protest Trump at GOP’s NYC Gala, Many Arrested

Alexandra Rosenmann
,
AlterNet
and
Alexandra Rosenmann
April 15, 2016Election '16

Five days before the New York primary, the New York State Republican gala was held at the Grand Hyatt in Manhattan, opposite Grand Central Terminal, one of the busiest train stations in the world.

Over 4,000 RSVP’d to protest Trump attending the event and gathered outside the hotel starting at 5:30pm.  

While Trump is set to win the New York primary, his inevitability as the GOP nominee is far from certain. Protesters representing groups ranging from immigration to labor to Black Lives Matter came out in droves to draw attention to Trump’s controversial message.

As arrests were made, traffic slowed so NYPD could escort gala attendees across the street.

Protesters largely sought to imitate the action in Chicago where Trump’s event was shut down last month. I spoke to several after witnessing a violent altercation between a protester and a Trump supporter a half hour into the rally. 

“Wake up! ISIS is here!” a Trump supporter shouted. “Learn how to defend yourself! Learn how to shoot a firearm!" Fortunately, he didn't bring any firearms to the rally. It was scary enough just seeing him throw a punch.  

Watch: A brief glimpse of Trump’s America:

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