COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Eight protesters were arrested Thursday during President Trump’s Colorado Springs rally, the city’s police department said in a news release.
Police said a large group of people had gathered outside the Broadmoor World Arena where the president was speaking to thousands of supporters from all over the state, when several people “chose instead to take over the roadway and obstruct traffic at the entrance and exit to the arena.”
The Colorado Springs Police Department said protesters had a designated “free speech zone” where they could express their views.
Officers responded to the area of Venetucci Blvd. and Cheyenne Meadows Rd. and issued several warnings for protesters to clear the roadway, but the crowd “disregarded the orders and a number of people were taken into custody.”
A total of eight people were arrested and taken to the Criminal Justice Center where they were cited and released, according to police. They were charged for violation of Colorado Springs municipal code 9.2.103, Failure to desist or disperse.
Police identified all eight on Friday. The arrested range from 19 to 50 years of age.
Editor's note: This story was updated on Friday, Feb. 21, to include a tweet from the Colorado Springs Police Department.