Protesters coming to RNC
With the Republican National Convention underway and presidential candidate Donald Trump in the midst of an eventful week, protest groups nationwide are focused on Cleveland. From pro-Trump bikers to Black Lives Matter to groups committed to LGBT rights, protesters span the gamut of demographics and interests. Here is a look at some of the protest groups taking aim at the RNC.
Black Lives Matter
The Cleveland chapter of Black Lives Matter is a strong presence outside the RNC, but did not apply for a protest permit, saying it objects to "an approval process for a constitutional right."
Black Lives Matter began protesting the convention on Sunday, July 17, 2016. On Tuesday, some members of the group, along with adversaries from the Westboro Baptist Church and the KKK, were allegedly throwing urine at each other during a protest. Hundreds of police officers were patrolling downtown Cleveland and kept the scuffles from getting worse.
Bikers for Trump
This pro-Trump group has a stated goal of connecting "patriotic bikers with the sole purpose of electing Donald Trump President of the United States." Leaders have said they'll be protesting any anti-Trump sentiment at the RNC.
Bikers for Trump held a rally for the candidate on the first day of the convention, July 18, 2016.
Westboro Baptist Church
The Westboro Baptist Church, known for its anti-gay and doomsday rhetoric, planned to protest the Republican candidate at the RNC.
Black Panthers
Members of the New Black Panther Party, a "black power" organization, have said they plan to carry guns legally.
Code Pink
Anti-war organization Code Pink is protesting at the RNC. Founder Cindy Sheehan is pictured at left with actress Susan Sarandon.
Members of Code Pink have crashed the Republican Convention multiple times since it began, being escorted out of the arena every time.
Coalition to Stop Trump
A group calling itself the Coalition to Stop Trump and March on the RNC (not pictured) includes activists who helped organize protests at the 2008 and 2012 Republican Conventions as well.
Students and Graduate Activists
Earlier this year, a group called Students and Graduate Activists protested at a Trump rally in Chicago. The group also plans to appear in Cleveland.
Bring Ohio Back
Bring Ohio Back (not pictured), a liberal political advocacy group that sponsored ads in previous presidential campaigns, will also be in attendance.
Stand Together Against Trump
A group calling itself Stand Together Against Trump says it's expecting 10,000 people to join its protests.
Protests against Trump began on July 17, 2016.
Organize Ohio
Organize Ohio (not pictured) said it's expecting 5,000 people to join its protests.
Food Not Bombs
Food Not Bombs, dedicated to feeding hungry people by collecting food that can no longer be sold, will also be in Cleveland.
Imperial Women Coalition
The Imperial Women Coalition (not pictured), a group founded in Cleveland and dedicated to stopping violence against women, will be taking a stand outside the Republican convention.
Trump March
Trump March, a pro-Trump group, expected more than 500 people to join its ranks. America First Unity Rally, which also supports Trump, predicted an even bigger turnout: 5,000 people.
The ONE Campaign
The ONE Campaign, which fights extreme poverty and preventable diseases, will be protesting outside the RNC. Their 2013 Berlin campaign, which targeted global leaders, is pictured here.
Funny or Die
Not exactly a protest group, comedy website Funny or Die will also be in Cleveland to express its views during the RNC. The group has featured the foul-mouthed puppet Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, pictured here.
Created Equal
Created Equal, an anti-abortion group, will be making their voices heard at the RNC.
Global Zero
Global Zero, with a goal to eliminate nuclear weapons, will be protesting at the RNC.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a major provider of medical care related to HIV and AIDS, expected 1,000 people to join its march in downtown Cleveland during the convention.