Watch CBS News

Police: Trump Protesters Tried To Force Their Way Into Duquesne Club

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Donald Trump's visit to Pittsburgh drew protests on Thursday.

As he delivered a keynote speech at the two-day Shale Insight conference, demonstrators gathered outside the Convention Center and in Downtown, even shutting down traffic for about an hour near Wood Street.

According to police, there were several separate groups demonstrating.

"A group of protesters remained peaceful at 10th and French Streets before and during Mr. Trump's visit to the Convention Center. Mr. Trump departed the Convention Center for the Duquesne Club on Sixth Street at approximately 12:15 p.m. The group of protesters who were outside of the Convention Center joined another group of protesters in front of the Duquesne Club," officials said in a report.

Police in riot gear kept crowds at bay outside of the Duquesne Club.

Members of the protest group attempted to enter the building, according to police.

Police say a 63-year-old man, later identified as Michael Bagdes-Canning, went through the revolving door of the Duquesne Club, preventing it from moving and trapping civilians who were not protesters.

He refused demands to move or come out of the door. Police freed him and the other civilians, then placed him under arrest. He will face several charges including defiant trespass, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.

"We weren't going to order anyone to disperse unless it became necessary. We put the mounted police there to protect the club and property," said Pittsburgh Police Commander Ed Trapp.

Other protesters sang, carried signs and voiced general displeasure with the candidate and his positions.

"Trump is such a jerk.  He is a pathological sociopath," said Mary Ruth of Penn Hills.

trump-protestors
(Photo Credit: KDKA)
trump-protests
(Photo Credit: KDKA)

Police say Donald Trump left the building around 1:30 p.m. and there were no further incidents.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.