Democrats gather in Dallas to protest GOP midterm convention
DALLAS - Democratic lawmakers and supporters had their own gatherings on Thursday as thousands of Republicans descend upon Downtown Dallas for the inaugural midterm convention.
Dallas Against Trump Coalition March
Protesters held a rally and march on Thursday afternoon in opposition to the convention and the Trump administration.
The event started at Pike Park on Harry Hines Boulevard. Demonstrators planned to march to the American Airlines Center, but it's not clear how far they'll get since the venue has tight security around it for the convention.
While at the park, members of the group held up signs with messages like "The Constitution is not optional!" and "Be Dolly not Donald" in the park.
Police monitor protestors around GOP Midterm Convention
Protestors gathered around the American Airlines Center on Day 2 of the Republican Midterm Convention, but a buffer zone kept them separated from people attending the event. FOX 4's Alex Boyer has more.
What they're saying:
"I am defending the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence," said Dallas resident Ellen Santini. "This is what it's all about. I do this all the time. It’s great. I love it."
Dig deeper:
There was a brief confrontation between the Democratic protesters and a small group of counter-protesters with what seemed to be a religious agenda. There were also police officers in riot gear on horseback monitoring the two groups.
Dallas police confirmed two protestors ended up being arrested for allegedly assaulting counter-protesters and obstructing a roadway. Their names and charges have not yet been released.
We the People Democratic Rally
Democrats hold counter-rally at Dallas City Hall
Texas Democrats held a rally at Dallas City Hall on the second night of the Republican Midterm Convention just a few miles away, encouraging people to get out and vote. FOX 4's David Sentendrey has more.
An additional rally was held on Thursday night at Dallas City Hall.
U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee, Beto O’Rourke, Colin Allred, Jane Kleeb, and other Democratic leaders spoke on democracy, freedoms, communities, and the future of Texas.
O'Rourke said Republicans felt the need to hold a midterm convention because they're worried about losing voters in Texas.
"A midterm convention in Dallas, Texas because they are so afraid they're about to lose this state, because they are," O'Rourke said.
Speakers encouraged people to get out and vote during the upcoming November elections.
The Source: The information in this story comes from FOX 4 reporter Alex Boyer, FOX 4 photographers, and news releases from Dallas and Texas Democratic leaders.