Nov 25, 2019 08:45 AM5 min. PITTSBURGH — At least three people were arrested after clashes with police Wednesday night outside a downtown Pittsburgh rally for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
As Trump's supporters filed out of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center at the end of the rally, the two sides engaged in heated verbal confrontations, with supporters chanting "USA!" and "Build that wall!" and protesters shouting profanities. Police in riot gear separated the sides. According to police, masked protesters, who were trying to reach Trump supporters, pepper-sprayed officers. During the scuffle, one officer suffered a hand injury. Police also said several protesters tried to hit them with sticks they had broken off from signs. Four officers were treated at the scene for minor injuries. “I'm very proud of the effort the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police put forward,” Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said. “There was a good game plan going in, but just like any team sport, a good game plan is only carried out if you have the men and women who are professional and can also show the patience.” Officers arrested 31-year-old Kennon Hooper, of West Oakland, 27-year-old Lisa Cuyler of Polish Hill and 29-year-old Maxwell Yearick of Perry South. Police said Hooper kicked two officers after they had been pepper-sprayed by protesters. While he was being handcuffed, Cuyler allegedly jumped on an officer's back. In Yearick’s case, he tried to fight an officer who has just been pepper-sprayed, according to investigators. Hooper, Cuyler and Yearick face riot and aggravated assault charges. Hooper and Yearick are also charged with resisting arrest. Hooper and Yearick remained in the Allegheny County jail Thursday, unable to post bail.
