Trump opponents, supporters rally at town hall event site

• Claudia Lauer/The Associated Press
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(Philadelphia)  — Opposing groups of protesters gathered Tuesday afternoon outside the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, hours before President Donald Trump was due to participate in a town hall meeting.

Dozens of Trump opponents held signs stating messages such as “Black Lives Matter” and “Trump/Pence out now” while chanting “We will not stop until they are gone” and other slogans. They were met by a smaller group of Trump supporters who waved his campaign flag.

The opposing groups exchanged derisive comments, but no physical confrontations were reported. A line of Philadelphia bike police were on scene to keep the groups separate.

The event was held on the first day that outdoor gatherings of more than 50 people were allowed in Philadelphia since restrictions were imposed because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Joseph Marini, of Philadelphia, wore a black mask and carried an orange sign saying “Mass murderer in chief.” He said he needed to come to the rally as a scientist.

“We’re approaching 200,000 deaths and he still doesn’t have a plan,” Marini said. “The only way we’re going to get through this is if everybody masks up, and he refuses to even say that.”