Photo Set

Trump Rally at Target Center

October 10, 2019, downtown Minneapolis — rally attendees, counter-protesters on Nicollet Mall, and Homeland Security deployments at Target Center and nearby LRT stations

October 10, 2019Target CenterMinneapolis, MN

Thousands of protesters filled the streets outside Target Center on First Avenue North in downtown Minneapolis on October 10, 2019, as President Donald Trump held a campaign rally inside the arena. The demonstration, organized partly under the hashtag #MNPEACHMENT, drew crowds through the Warehouse District and along Nicollet Mall, with signs calling for impeachment, condemning immigration policy, and challenging the administration's record.

Trump's visit marked his first trip to Minnesota since the release of the Mueller report, and the rally drew intense public reaction on both sides. Security was extensive: Secret Service agents, Minneapolis Police in riot gear, and Department of Homeland Security officers were deployed at transit hubs including the Warehouse District LRT station and Target Field Station, where a Prince mural stood alongside federal officers watching the light rail platforms. The Loews Minneapolis Hotel, directly adjacent to Target Center, posted signs warning against climbing elevated structures as street closures reshaped movement through the surrounding blocks. This set covers the full arc of the day — the security apparatus around the arena, the counter-protest march through downtown, and the range of voices among the thousands who came to make themselves heard outside the rally.

Minneapolis police in riot gear face protesters outside Target Center during a Trump rally in downtown Minneapolis. — *October 10, 2019* — Minneapolis police officers in riot gear formed a barricade on First Avenue outside the Target Center on October 10, 2019. They confronted protesters gathered for a campaign rally held by then-President Donald Trump. The rally drew thousands to downtown Minneapolis, prompting a significant law enforcement response. The police line separated demonstrators from attendees as tensions escalated.

Man wearing an Oath Keepers hat stands in downtown Minneapolis during a Trump rally protest. — *October 10, 2019* — A man wearing an Oath Keepers hat is seen amidst a crowd during a protest outside President Donald Trump’s campaign rally at the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis on October 10, 2019. The rally, which drew thousands of supporters and counter-protesters, filled Hennepin Avenue and was met with a significant police presence. The Oath Keepers, a far-right militia founded in 2009, is known for its anti-government stance and has been associated with armed protests, including the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack.

Protest sign reading "Russia Made Me Do It" and Trump cutout on a barricade outside Target Center in Minneapolis. — *October 10, 2019* — A protest sign reading "Russia Made Me Do It" and a cutout of Donald Trump's face, defaced with a Hitler-esque mustache, are displayed on a barricade outside the Target Center in Minneapolis. This display was part of protests on October 10, 2019, coinciding with Trump's campaign rally, his first visit to Minnesota since the Mueller report's release. Thousands gathered in the Warehouse District to voice opposition to the president's policies and rhetoric, under heavy police presence and national media attention.

Protesters holding signs gather in heavy rain during a Trump rally demonstration in downtown Minneapolis on October 10, 2019. — *October 10, 2019* — Protesters gathered near the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis on October 10, 2019, during a campaign rally for then-President Donald Trump.

Helmeted Minneapolis police officer wearing goggles at a Trump rally. — *October 10, 2019* — A Minneapolis Police officer, equipped with protective gear including a helmet and goggles, stands on duty during a Donald Trump rally held in Minneapolis on October 10, 2019. Such events often require a significant police presence to manage crowds and ensure public safety. The presence of law enforcement in riot gear highlights the potential for civil unrest or the need for crowd control during politically charged gatherings.

Protesters outside Target Center in Minneapolis hold signs opposing a Trump rally. — *October 10, 2019* — Thousands of protesters gathered outside the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis on October 10, 2019, to oppose a Donald Trump campaign rally. Demonstrators voiced opposition to the administration's immigration policies and far-right extremism, with signs reading "Nazis Go Home – No Kids in Cages" and "Impeach Trump." This event represented a significant public display of dissent in the city during Trump's presidency.

Protesters in downtown Minneapolis hold a Free Hugs sign outside Target Center at night. — *October 10, 2019* — A "Free Hugs" sign is visible amidst a protest outside the Target Center in Minneapolis on October 10, 2019. The demonstration occurred concurrently with a Donald Trump campaign rally, drawing thousands of attendees who gathered to express opposition to the administration's policies. Despite the charged political climate, the presence of signs like "Free Hugs" and "Hate Has No Home Here" highlighted a desire for connection and solidarity among some participants.

Protesters outside Target Center in downtown Minneapolis during a Trump rally. — *October 10, 2019* — Protesters gathered outside the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis on October 10, 2019, to voice their opposition to a Trump campaign rally being held inside. The Target Center, a multi-purpose arena, hosts a variety of events including sports, concerts, and political rallies. This protest occurred during the 2020 presidential election cycle, reflecting the political divisions of the time. The signs held by the crowd express a range of sentiments, from direct criticism of the president to broader political statements.

Secret Service agents and police outside Target Center in Minneapolis, with vehicles parked at a loading dock. — *October 10, 2019* — Secret Service agents and police officers are visible outside the Target Center in Minneapolis on October 10, 2019. The presence of these security personnel indicates preparations for a high-profile event, likely the arrival of a presidential motorcade, as suggested by the agent using binoculars. The Target Center, a multi-purpose arena, frequently hosts major sporting events, concerts, and political rallies, necessitating robust security measures for such occasions.

Protesters with anti-Trump signs outside First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis — *October 10, 2019* — Protesters gathered outside First Avenue in Minneapolis on October 10, 2019, during a rally for then-President Donald Trump. The sign prominently displayed reads, "I didn't fight the NAZIs just so TRUMP could turn America fascist." First Avenue is a historic entertainment venue in downtown Minneapolis, known for hosting concerts and other live events. The protest reflects the political divisions and public discourse surrounding the 2020 presidential election cycle.

Protesters hold anti-Trump signs outside Target Center in downtown Minneapolis. — *October 10, 2019* — Protesters gathered outside the Target Center in Minneapolis on October 10, 2019, to voice their opposition to then-President Donald Trump's policies. The signs displayed reflect sentiments of dissent and criticism towards the administration. This event occurred during a period of significant political polarization surrounding the Trump presidency and his re-election campaign. The Target Center, a multi-purpose arena, has often been a site for major public events and gatherings in downtown Minneapolis.

Protesters in downtown Minneapolis hold a sign reading "American Horror Story" beside a Trump caricature. — *October 10, 2019* — Protesters gathered in downtown Minneapolis on October 10, 2019, during a rally related to the 2020 presidential election. The sign prominently displayed reads "American Horror Story" with a caricature of then-President Donald Trump. This event occurred amidst a period of significant political polarization and public discourse surrounding the Trump administration and its policies. The protest reflects the broader national sentiment and engagement with political issues during that election cycle.

Protesters with impeachment signs outside O'Donovan's Pub in downtown Minneapolis. — *October 10, 2019* — Protesters gathered in downtown Minneapolis on October 10, 2019, holding signs calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump. The protest took place outside the Target Center, a major indoor arena in the city. This event occurred during a period of significant political division and ongoing impeachment inquiries related to the Trump administration. The signs reflect the strong sentiments of opposition and calls for accountability among a segment of the public during that time.

Protester holds a sign outside Target Center in Minneapolis during a Trump rally. — *October 10, 2019* — A protestor holds a sign reading "I VOTE FOR PRESIDENTS WHO CAN SPELL, USES PUNCTUATION AND ISN'T A NARCISSISTIC SOCIOPATH" outside the Target Center in Minneapolis on October 10, 2019. The sign reflects critical sentiment towards then-President Donald Trump during a rally held in the city. The Target Center, a multi-purpose arena, frequently hosts political events and public gatherings, making it a common site for both support and opposition rallies. This protest occurred during the 2020 presidential election cycle, a period marked by significant political polarization and public engagement.

Security officer on a parking ramp above Target Center in Minneapolis. — *October 10, 2019* — A security officer stands watch from a parking ramp overlooking the Target Center in Minneapolis on October 10, 2019. This vantage point offered a clear view of the surrounding streets during a campaign rally for President Donald Trump. The presence of local police, federal agents, and Homeland Security personnel underscored the significant security measures in place for the event, which drew large crowds of attendees and protesters.

Homeland Security officers stand by a Metro Transit train at Minneapolis Warehouse District LRT station. — *October 10, 2019* — Department of Homeland Security officers were present at the Warehouse District LRT station in Minneapolis on October 10, 2019. Their deployment coincided with a rally held by then-President Donald Trump at the nearby Target Center. The light rail system serves as a vital transportation artery for the city, connecting residents and visitors to various districts. The presence of federal law enforcement at a public transit hub during a political event highlights the security considerations surrounding such gatherings.

Protesters outside Target Center in Minneapolis during a Trump rally. — *October 10, 2019* — Protesters gathered outside the Target Center in Minneapolis on October 10, 2019, during a Trump rally. The Target Center, a multi-purpose arena, hosts sporting events, concerts, and political gatherings. The protest occurred amidst the 2020 presidential election cycle, reflecting the polarized political climate of the time. Signs held by protesters expressed opposition to the rally and the Trump administration, with some referencing impeachment proceedings.

Protesters with IMPEACH signs outside Target Center in Minneapolis during Trump rally, 2019 — *October 10, 2019* — Protesters gathered outside the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis on October 10, 2019, to rally against then-President Donald Trump's campaign event. The "IMPEACH" sign prominently displayed reflects the political climate of the time, as the House of Representatives was initiating impeachment proceedings against Trump. Inside the venue, supporters of the President could be seen, highlighting the division surrounding the event. The Target Center, a multi-purpose arena, regularly hosts sporting events, concerts, and political rallies, serving as a significant public gathering space in the city.

Woman holds a protest sign reading “Trump: Read My Sign” in downtown Minneapolis. — *October 10, 2019* — A protestor holds a sign reading "TRUMP: READ MY SIGN" during a rally in Minneapolis on October 10, 2019. The event coincided with a campaign rally for then-President Donald Trump. Such protests often occur during presidential election cycles, reflecting public engagement with political discourse and policy debates. The sign's message directly addresses the president, suggesting a desire for engagement or a critique of his administration's policies or communication.

Protester holds a sign at the Target Center in Minneapolis reading “Trump is giving children PTSD.” — *October 10, 2019* — Protesters gathered outside the Target Center in Downtown Minneapolis on October 10, 2019, to voice their opposition to a rally held by then-President Donald Trump. The sign prominently displayed reads, "TRUMP is giving CHILDREN PTSD" and "REPUBLICANS: WHERE ARE YOUR FAMILY VALUES? RELEASE THE FAMILIES REUNITE NOW!!" This protest occurred during Trump's 2020 presidential campaign, reflecting significant public dissent regarding his administration's policies, particularly those concerning immigration and family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Protesters holding anti-Trump signs on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis during the MNPEACHMENT march — *October 10, 2019* — Thousands of Minnesotans gathered on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis on October 10, 2019, for a protest against then-President Donald Trump. The event, known online as #MNPEACHMENT, was organized in opposition to Trump's policies and to call for his impeachment. The march originated near the Target Center, where Trump was holding a campaign rally, and proceeded through downtown under a significant police presence. This demonstration highlighted public dissent and political engagement in the city.

Handmade warning sign hangs under the Loews Minneapolis Hotel canopy during a Trump rally in downtown Minneapolis — *October 10, 2019* — A handmade sign reading “This Roof Cannot Support Human Weight” was posted beneath the Loews Minneapolis Hotel canopy on October 10, 2019. The hotel, adjacent to the Target Center, served as a focal point during a political rally and counter-protests that drew thousands to downtown Minneapolis. City officials placed similar signs throughout the area to deter individuals from climbing elevated structures amidst heavy police presence and street closures.

Minneapolis Target Field Station with officers on the platform beside a Green Line train and Prince mural. — *October 10, 2019* — Minneapolis Target Field Station with Prince Mural and Security. On October 10, 2019, Homeland Security officers were present at the Target Field light rail station in downtown Minneapolis. This increased security presence was in response to a major political rally held at the nearby arena, which prompted heightened security measures throughout the Warehouse District transit corridor. The station serves as a key transit hub, connecting light rail lines to the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods.

Woman in a Trump 2020 hat sits in a downtown Minneapolis bar window during a 2019 rally. — *October 10, 2019* — A woman wearing a “Trump 2020” hat smiles from inside a downtown Minneapolis bar near the Target Center on October 10, 2019. The establishment, decorated with promotional posters for discounted beer and wings, became a temporary gathering spot for attendees arriving early to the president’s evening campaign rally. The 2019 visit marked a rare appearance by a sitting U.S. president in Minneapolis and drew both supporters and demonstrators into the city’s entertainment district, where security and anticipation heightened throughout the afternoon.

Minneapolis police officers on bicycles patrol near a downtown pub on a wet street. — *October 10, 2019* — Minneapolis police officers on bicycles patrol the downtown area near the Target Center on October 10, 2019. This patrol occurred as supporters and protesters gathered for a campaign event hosted by then-President Donald Trump. The Target Center is a multi-purpose arena that hosts sporting events, concerts, and other public gatherings, and its surrounding streets often become focal points for political rallies and demonstrations.

Trump Rally at Target Center

Minneapolis Photographer