Supporters started lining up around noon outside of Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Oakland Wednesday to see Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Trump is the first Republican candidate to visit the Steel City and started his visit by taping a one-hour Fox News special.
Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay said about 60 officers were on patrol in Oakland.
At one point several police officers had to block screaming protestors from Trump fans waiting to enter Soldiers and Sailors. Though, some protesters held peaceful exchanges with supporters waiting outside of the building. Many held signs, including a group of males carrying a large sign that read, “Wrong side of history, Trump 2016.”
Many of Trump’s fans also showed up toting their own signs.
Susan Birchfield, of Perry Hall, Maryland, drove to Pittsburgh with a friend and said it was her only chance to see Trump. Though Trump has often been criticized over his treatment of women, Birchfield held a sign that read, “This women (sic) loves Trump,” covered with colorful hearts. She said the idea that Trump doesn’t treat women fairly has been blown out of proportion by the media.
Trump is also expected hold a rally at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center at 7 p.m.
Earlier in the day, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton’s daughter Chelsea stopped by her mother’s East Liberty campaign office to speak with supporters. The elder Clinton visited Pittsburgh last week, drawing about 2,000 to Carnegie Mellon University. Fellow Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders drew a crowd of more than 8,000 at the end of March.
