Trump protesters outnumber supporters during SA visit

Boisterous protestors await Trump's arrival

SAN ANTONIO – Several hundred Donald Trump protesters on Friday lined one side of Fredericksburg Road compared to far fewer of his supporters standing on the other side of the street hoping to get a glimpse of him before the billionaire entered the Oak Hills Country Club for a fundraiser in San Antonio.

The motorcade of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee actually went around the back of the country club. Unaware of what had happened, the anti-Trump crowd booed a decoy line of official-looking vehicles. 

Despite the blazing sun, the boisterous gathering loudly chanted, "No Fascists, No Trump!" "Deport Trump!" "Dump Trump!"

Eddie Luera, who was among the first protesters to arrive, was armed with a poster calling Trump the anti-Christ.

"I just think he's no good for our country," he said. "I really think he will bring the next world war."

Other than the finger-pointing and name-calling, a strong presence by San Antonio police helped avoid any violent confrontations.

Police also made sure to keep the opposing crowds on opposite sides of the street.

"They tried to come across and come antagonize us. Everybody kept calm," Gina Sandoval, a protester, said. "It's not about hate. It's about love. It's about peace."

A volunteer who gave his name as Erick, was among a group of so-called peacekeepers. He said they helped intervene.

"We formed a line. They wanted to walk through," he said.  

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Although protesting was one way to show how they felt, many realize that voting will be the true test of whether Trump is elected president.

Valerie Baryo, a protester, said she already registered to vote.

"I'm getting all my aunts and uncles, abuelitos and abuelitas and everybody to vote this year," Baryo said.

"My children (will) go with me to vote," Devyn Gonzales, a registered voter, said. "My husband and I (will) make sure to let everyone know that we're voting and it's the coolest thing to possibly do, yeah." 

 


About the Author:

Jessie Degollado has been with KSAT since 1984. She is a general assignments reporter who covers a wide variety of stories. Raised in Laredo and as an anchor/reporter at KRGV in the Rio Grande Valley, Jessie is especially familiar with border and immigration issues. In 2007, Jessie also was inducted into the San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame.