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Pro-Trump Group, Non-Profit Among RNC Demonstration Applicants

Photo: Citizens for Trump

By Elizabeth Miller 

4 groups and individuals have submitted applications to Cleveland City Hall to demonstrate during this July’s Republican National Convention.  So far, a pro-Donald Trump group, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and the anti-nuclear group Global Zero are all seeking permission to hold rallies during or after the RNC. 

Tim Selaty Sr.’s organization, Citizens for Trump, plans to host a “Unity” rally at Voinovich Park near the Rock Hall on the first day of the convention – July 18 th.  From there, Selaty and an estimated 5,000 participants will march down to Quicken Loans Arena, where the convention will take place.

The Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation also applied to march to the Q, starting from Cleveland State University.  The nonprofit’s application includes a bus with 5 bullhorns and a sound system.

And Global Zero, a group dedicated to eliminating nuclear weapons, will stage a “First Amendment” demonstration the week after the convention – complete with a 48 foot tall inflatable rocket.

The only application submitted by an Ohioan is from Organize Ohio, which aims to have 1,000 to 5,000 participants at their event to bring attention to issues of poverty. 

None of the applications have been approved yet.  For groups that demonstrate without a permit, a spokesman for the Mayor’s office says the city will address the issue “in the future.”  82% of respondents in a recent Baldwin Wallace survey say they are concerned that protests will become the focus of attention at the convention.