US President Donald Trump faced repeated interruptions from protesters during a campaign rally in Wichita, Kansas, on Monday night as he rallied support for Republican candidates ahead of the election.
Trump was in Wichita to campaign for Republicans, including Senator Roger Marshall, who is facing a strong challenge from Democratic candidate Adam Hamilton. According to The Topeka Capital-Journal, Hamilton recently raised more money than Marshall during the latest fundraising quarter.
During his address, Trump asked supporters to imagine that he himself was on the ballot, a line he has used at similar Republican campaign events in other states.
The speech was interrupted when a protester began shouting from the crowd. Attendees responded with boos as security personnel moved the individual out of the venue. Cameras operated by Right Side Broadcasting Network showed several people standing behind Trump raising their middle fingers towards the protester as they were escorted away.
“They’re paid protesters, you know!” Trump told the crowd. “And it’s actually very dangerous.”
A second protester then interrupted the president, shouting back at him before being drowned out by boos from the audience.
Trump subsequently turned the incident into a response to his supporters, asking, “How great is it to be at a Trump rally?” The crowd responded with loud cheers.
A third protester later heckled Trump while he was encouraging supporters to participate in early voting.
Trump urged the audience to turn out at the polls and support Republican candidates before pointing towards the protester as the person was removed.
“You have to get out and vote, so we can get rid of idiots like that!” he said.
