SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump promised thousands of supporters in San Diego today he would offer a strong challenge for heavily Democratic California’s electoral votes in the general election.
As Trump delivered an energetic, 58-minute speech inside the San Diego Convention Center, more than 1,000 opponents representing various opposition groups demonstrated outside.
Police telling everyone to clear the streets and sidewalks @CBS8 pic.twitter.com/14Tbsybn35
— Kelly Hessedal (@KellyCBS8) May 27, 2016
The protests were mostly peaceful, but some who tried to scale a barricade were turned back by police. Police said one person was arrested, but it wasn’t immediately clear if it was for that incident.
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Trump said he can compete in California because people are tired of political leaders like “crooked Hillary” Clinton, the former first lady who is leading the delegate count in the race for the Democratic nomination. They offer “all talk and no action,” he said.
Someone in handcuffs outside a police car @CBS8 #trump #sandiego pic.twitter.com/qlLMxZhdJo
— Kelly Hessedal (@KellyCBS8) May 27, 2016
He also said U.S. political leaders were “grossly incompetent.”
Donald Trump rally ending. Tensions high. Police told to put helmets on. So far no major incidents. pic.twitter.com/QWkJo0R3Cy
— Steve Price (@PriceCBS8) May 27, 2016
“We’re going to play for California, we’re going to win California, you watch,” Trump said.
Thursday, Trump reached the number of delegates necessary for the GOP nomination.
RELATED: San Diego Police Chief: Violence will not be tolerated at Donald Trump’s rally
“We have created a movement — it’s a movement to common sense, to smarts, we’re not going to be ripped-off anymore,” Trump said.
He touched on numerous issues in his speech, touting his commitment to helping veterans, rebuilding the military and forcing allied nations to stop “abusing us.”
He also went on rants over a class-action lawsuit filed against him and his now-defunct Trump University, which is scheduled to go to trial in November in San Diego, and a woman who worked for him but later made critical remarks about him to the media.
In a city close to the U.S.-Mexico border, he made only a couple of passing references to his plans to construct a wall that would keep illegal immigrants from entering the country.
Immigration activists joined organized labor and other groups to march to the convention center and demonstrate outside. Some carried Mexican flags and chanted profanities.
Officers trying to clear the streets @CBS8 pic.twitter.com/j3CqcUYz4k
— Kelly Hessedal (@KellyCBS8) May 27, 2016
Protests turned violent Tuesday in Albuquerque, leading to concerns about security in San Diego.
San Diego police Chief Shelley Zimmerman vowed that law enforcement will tolerate no violence, disruptive behavior or unlawful acts at the Trump event.
“The safety of our public is paramount,” Zimmerman said. “The whole goal is to provide a safe environment for everyone.”
The department has a “significant presence” of uniformed and plainclothes officers at the bayside gathering and has coordinated with state, local and federal agencies to promptly put a stop to any combative or destructive protesters or counter-protesters, the chief said.
The city designated demonstration zones — one for Trump supporters and another for those who oppose the 69-year-old billionaire’s presidential bid — on the northwest and southeast sides of the Harbor Drive center and monitored attendees’ behavior while ensuring their constitutional free-speech rights, Zimmerman said.
In the protest area, Martha McPhail of La Mesa held a “Dump Trump” sign.
“I am opposed to the hateful, bigoted, racist language of Donald Trump and his arrogance and intolerance,” McPhail told City News Service. “I’m for all of our people — all races, sexes, genders, military veterans — and he’s divisive.”
Bryan Sanders, a Tucson resident, said he came to San Diego because Trump needs to be stopped.
“Donald Trump is a fascist,” said Sanders, 33. “He has no business being in American politics. He’s un-American. His march toward power needs to stop, and it’s gonna.”
Sanders said he was injured at a previous Trump rally in his hometown.
Riley Hansen, a 19-year-old supporter, was selling pro-Trump T-shirts and said he likes the candidate’s business knowledge.
“My dad always told me you need a businessman as president,” the Orange County resident said. “I like his policies. We need the border wall built.”
Tami Eshelman of Lake San Marcos said she came to hear Trump speak and to show her support. She said she wants to find out who would serve on his team, such as cabinet members, if he’s elected.
Former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, and area GOP congressmen Duncan D. Hunter and Darrell Issa warmed up the crowd, eliciting boos when they mentioned the media or President Barack Obama’s visit to Hiroshima, Japan, the city where the first atomic bomb was dropped near the end of World War II.
Trump welcomed them and a large group of veterans to the stage at the beginning of his speech.
A campaign spokesman said about 20,000 people RSVP’d for the event, but the room at the convention center had a capacity of 10,000. A large amount of people were still in line trying to get inside the facility as Trump delivered his speech.
The convention center floor will soon be filled with @realDonaldTrump supporters. Doors open around 11am. pic.twitter.com/IzljhNU4fW
— Brandon Lewis (@BrandonCBS8) May 27, 2016
#ATF on scene at #TRUMP rally in #SanDiego with K-9 units. @CBS8 pic.twitter.com/RdCzWGGI7E
— Marcella Lee (@MarcellaCBS8) May 27, 2016
#Trump supporters fired up, hoping to avoid conflict with protestors in #SanDiego @CBS8 @SDConventionCtr pic.twitter.com/vOBzbe7e0k
— Marcella Lee (@MarcellaCBS8) May 27, 2016
.@realDonaldTrump supporters line continues to grow ahead of 2pm rally @SanDiegoConven pic.twitter.com/A71BD6vBe6
— Brandon Lewis (@BrandonCBS8) May 27, 2016
First #Trump supporters arriving at @SDConventionCtr. Join me for live report at 6:30 on @cbs8 pic.twitter.com/oUlTThJEw4
— Marcella Lee (@MarcellaCBS8) May 27, 2016