Hundreds of protestors from across the country have thronged Cleveland in Ohio keeping security and law enforcement agencies on edge, as Republican delegates gathered here this week to officially nominate Donald Trump as their presidential nominee.
Groups representing African-Americans, human rights bodies and Muslim organisations have been holding peaceful protest rallies, ranging from a few dozens to a few hundreds -- all saying they are opposed to Trump's policies. "He is not good for the United States. He is going to bring a bad name to the country. I do not feel safe under him," said Kareem, who said he has travelled from New York City to register his protest against the newly-nominated Republican candidate.
The protestors have remained peaceful so far, but law enforcement agencies are taking no chances. Officials and security personnel from as many as 37 different organisations and several states have been keeping a close eye on all protestors for the past few days.
Police personnel donning body armour and helmets are seen patrolling streets round the clock on bicycles, horses and helicopters. Old time convention watchers and political analysts say this is for the first time in past few decades that they have seen such a large number of protestors on streets.
"He needs to understand that Black Lives matter," said Jessi from Chicago. "We do not need a divisive president for the country," he said, holding an anti-Trump banner in his hand. Police officials expect protests to intensify over the next two days, particularly tomorrow, when Trump will deliver his acceptance speech.
In order to maintain peace and security in the city, Cleveland police spokeswoman Sgt Jennifer Ciaccia said "dispersal orders" were likely being issued downtown. The police so far has arrested five people in the first two days of the Republican National Convention. On Tuesday, several Muslim groups were seen distributing "Islamophobin" chewing gum designed as fake medicine to cure blind intolerance.
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