Credit: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

President Trump’s scheduled visit to speak at the Shale Insight Conference in Pittsburgh sparked protests and arrests, even before he showed his face.

Several of the protestors were arrested when they refused to stop blocking the streets after police asked them to move. 50 demonstrators stood at the intersection of Commonwealth Place and Liberty Avenue, impeding the intersection. Their message was clear as they stated, “President Trump, you are not welcome here.” They stood in solidarity and refused to back down.

Sara Stockmavo of Bend The Arc: Pittsburgh told KDKA, “We wanted to send a very clear message to President Trump that our city is a city of peace, that we are many communities coming together.”

Many of the protestors’ signs condemned hate and racism. But one big sign in particular that got the most attention read, “Our solidarity will defeat white nationalism.” Those holding this sign were arrested by Pittsburgh police, who were all dressed in riot gear. 14 people in total were arrested.

“We are not willing to stand idly by and do nothing,” said Stockmavo. “We have voices and we have collective power, and we want to use our voices and our power.”

One demonstrator, Tammy Hepps, was arrested for shutting down the busy intersection. She says she’s offended that President Trump is showing up at the nearly one-year anniversary of the Tree of Life synagogue shooting.

“Showing up at this fracking conference and turning it into a campaign event for himself as though none of this is going on – impervious to all of our pain – is just incredibly painful and honestly just speaks to the sort of person that he is,” said Hepps.

The protest was peaceful, but another three demonstrations are expected to occur today while President Trump is in Pittsburgh.