Opposing Political Parties Clash in Center City, Philadelphia March

     Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump, there have been numerous marches, rallies and demonstrations for and against the new “leader of the free world.” On a global, national and even local scale, people around the world have been voicing their opinions about the new president of the United States. In Philadelphia alone, there have been a few notable marches; for instance, the city had their own version of the Women’s March in Washington, D.C. and an anti-travel ban protest at the Philadelphia Airport.

     Later into Trump’s presidency, on March 25, many Americans gathered in support of the president in a “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) demonstration. This demonstration occurred in Center City, Philadelphia. The pro-Trump supporters were planning to march from Independence National Historic Park and end on City Hall. They wanted to march to show America that every voice deserves to be heard. They saw themselves as representing conservatives, veterans and pro-life advocates. Speaking for the demonstration, U.S. Senate candidate Andrew Shecktor vowed that the crowd was marching for Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, the military and first responders.

    However, while marching toward their destination, the MAGA demonstration group was met by anti-Trump supporters. These demonstrators against the president rallied to oppose the MAGA demonstrators. Gaining support via social media with the hashtag #DisruptMAGA, the anti-Trump protesters wanted their fellow citizens to know their opinion. The anti-Trump supporters urged people to take notice that America, in their opinion, was built on slavery, colonialism and sexism. Nonetheless, the protesters still believed that Philadelphia could change America’s course of action.

     When Philadelphia Police caught sight of the two groups inching closer to one another in downtown Philadelphia, they urged the MAGA demonstrators to deviate from their previously-planned path to ensure safety. Because of this fast thinking, there was not a violent collision between the opposing parties.

    With the presence of the Philadelphia Police Department, both groups could march. Even though they differed in political ideology, participants in each demonstration were able to make their own statements while remaining peaceful.

    Sources: 6ABC Philadelphia, NBC 10 Philadelphia