Dallas police arrested two protesters outside the Republican National Committee's midterm convention Thursday, according to the Dallas Police Department. The arrests occurred following a confrontation with officers in riot gear that led to a tense scene blocks from where President Donald Trump was scheduled to deliver his closing speech.
The department confirmed to Fox News Digital that the two individuals were arrested on charges related to assaulting a counter-protester and obstructing a road. Specific names and charges will be released after the suspects are booked into jail.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show hundreds of demonstrators gathered near the convention venue. One protester, identified as Rick Majumdar and wearing attire associated with the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), stated that the protest was organized by the "Dallas Against the Trump Agenda Coalition." This coalition, he said, comprises 16 faith-based, pro-immigrant rights, and labor organizations.
"We're here to protest the Republican agenda, the Trump agenda and all its policies that it has enacted over the last few years," Majumdar told Fox News Digital. He described the march as an important event "against this convention that's happening for the last two days."
Regarding the arrests, Majumdar suggested that "rioting provocateurs" were involved and that police responded to the situation. He stated that the confrontation occurred at the "closest entry point" to the convention.
The protest took place amidst ongoing concerns about political violence and the targeting of public figures. It also coincided with the first anniversary of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Law enforcement officers were visible in riot gear as they managed the protest activity outside the American Airlines Center, where the convention was being held. Demonstrators marched in the vicinity of the convention, and police were seen detaining individuals. The protest occurred on the second day of the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas.