This is the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
The Beacon Journal will again have reporters in and around Cleveland to provide the latest news.
8:40 p.m.
Speech excerpts
The RNC released excerpts from some of Thursday’s speakers. Some snippets:
• “I defied the odds, but I couldn’t do it on my own. Donald Trump can’t do it alone either. He needs our help and support. Just as Michigan was willing to adopt a Buckeye, for a cause greater than ourselves, we can unite behind Donald Trump to Make America One Again.” - motivational speaker Brock Mealer, who learned to walk after a spinal cord injury
• “Some of our greatest leaders have been people who worked in the real world, know firsthand how cumbersome rules and unnecessary regulations get in the way of greatness. I want a president who knows leadership is not as it appears, but as it performs.” - U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee
• “We are one in our belief that America must address the national debt – not by increasing taxes – but by increasing opportunity. We are one in our belief that we must protect our borders, and promote fair trade that puts American workers first. We are one in our belief that we must stand with allies like Israel, a beacon of freedom and democracy in the Middle East. We are one in our belief that we must respect and honor our military, veterans, and law enforcement, whose sacrifice keeps us safe and free. And we are one in our belief in that every life is precious, regardless of race or class, including the lives of unborn children.” - Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin
• “What separates Republicans from Democrats is our belief in better. We believe in better schools. A better healthcare system. A better economy which rewards hard work no matter where or when you punch the clock.” - Reince Priebus, Republican National Committee Chairman
• “I don’t pretend to agree with every plank in our party’s platform. But fake culture wars only distract us from our economic decline. And nobody in this race is being honest about it except Donald Trump.” - Peter Thiel, Venture Capitalist
• “Lack of opportunity breeds desperation. This is true in many of our nation’s ghettos and underprivileged communities. Much of protests in urban centers are born out of this kind of desperation. Good jobs, urban economic revitalization, and an opportunity for job training are long-term solutions that can turn our troubled cities around.” - Pastor Mark Burns
8:04 p.m.
Cleveland Police posted on Facebook that at least one of two officers treated for skin irritations “is believed to have come into contact with a sticker received from a person on public square. The public is advised that if they have received a sticker from someone they do not know to remove it and wash the area with soap and water. Also, as a precaution the public is advised to not accept stickers from anyone they do not know. At this time it is unknown if the sticker contributed to the skin irritation. The matter remains under investigation.”
Police also wanted to stress that there was no case of an officer or anyone else being stuck with a syringe.
7:20 p.m.
Six-year-old Heavenly Joy blows the crowd away with her rendition of Let There Be Peace on Earth and America the Beautiful. Her father is music producer Rodney Jerkins who has worked with Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Beyonce.
6:56 p.m.
Party time
It’s being reported that Trump’s speech tonight will be accompanied by 1,000 pounds of confetti and 150,000 balloons.
6:19 p.m.
Love gum
Sahar Alsahlani, with CAIR New York, is walking around Public Square pitching Islamophobin – the mock medicine that cures “islamophobia.”
She held up a pack of gum printed with satirical information, such as that the ingredients help with “blind intolerance,” “irrational fear of Muslims” and combats election year scape-goating.
Alsahlani noted the “amazing” diversity of humanity around her and said many of those who “suffer from chronic islamophobia” could be cured if they would “take two at night and call a Muslim in the morning.”
She promised it would help “spread love and may result in peaceful co-existence.”
– Nick Glunt
5:36 p.m.
If you can’t beat ‘em, make fun of ‘em.
A group of Westboro Baptist Spoofers took popular chants used by the hate group and turned them into this:
“God Hates Bangs”
“Bangs Are The Devil’s Children”
“God Hates Morning People”
“Vaginally Born Is The Way”
5:05 p.m.
Scanner: South Carolina officers received info that people with syringes may be coming up to police officers and jabbing them. No confirmed cases, but officers are being warned to keep an eye out for people approaching them.
Dispatcher noted that syringes, as an item, are not on the prohibited list.
An official got on the radio to announce that as of now, syringes will be a banned item.
5:02 p.m.
Cleveland police are preparing for a second flag burning incident. They were warned it was about to begin and brought in additional troops to keep the crowd thinned out. Someone with a flag is now moving in from the north side of the monument on Public Square, presumably to start a demonstration.
4:58 p.m.
ACLU objects
The ACLU of Ohio released a statement regarding delays in hearing cases against people who were arrested following a flag burning demonstration Wednesday afternoon during the Republican National Convention, as well as the arrest of a journalist during the event.
Said ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link: “The city of Cleveland announced that the courts were prepared to handle upwards of 1000 arrests per day, yet this small group of people are facing long delays in having their cases heard. There is no reason these people should be held for so long on minor charges. Police in Philadelphia have planned to simply issue tickets for offenses such as failure to disperse during the Democratic National Convention. The delays in processing these cases suggest that protesters are purposefully being held to keep them off the streets. This is simply unacceptable treatment.”
4:34 p.m.
Love over hate
George Fofsett held up signs that said “love” and “End racism” in the middle of bustling E. 4th and Prospect Ave while Brittany Atterberry, both from Ohio, jammed out on an alto sax.
“I’m just spreading love, sister,” Fofsett said. “I’m the new generation of hippies.”
The two even sparked police attention--in a positive way. Groups of policemen gathered around them to have their photos taken.
Fofsett said the jazzy renditions of popular hits Atterberry played was reminiscent of tunes played at family reunions, unlike rap.
“This music represents family and love.”
Not too far away, another peaceful protestor was getting heavy photo attention. Vishavjit Singh stood in a nook in the middle of E. 4th, surrounded by Trump paraphernalia and protestors, clad in a Captain America costume and holding a sign that said, “Let’s kick some intolerant a-- with compassion.”
Singh came to Cleveland from New York with a group of cartoonists from across the country who decided to use characters to engage people and spread a message of compassion and tolerance.
“I get stereotyped a lot, before and after 9/11,” Singh said.
Despite that, Singh says he translates those feelings into kindness toward others.
“It’s a very wasteful emotion to hate people,” he said.
As Singh greeted person after person who stopped to snap a picture of the comic book hero, he pondered this year’s election.
“This campaign is really a lot about fear,” Singh said. “There’s a lot of hate going around and it makes it hard to find common ground. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done.”
– Theresa Cottom
4:33 p.m.
Charitable action
Cleveland Police who spotted a youth on Public Square riding a worn bike and no helmet organized an effort to better equip him.
From the department’s Facebook page Thursday: “During the first day of the Republican National Convention, our Bike Patrol Unit noticed Tyquan (Winn) in Public Square riding his bicycle in front of them, showing off his skills. All of the officers noticed his talent but they also noticed that the back wheel of his bicycle needed some work. Instead of repairing his wheel, the Cleveland Division of Police gave Tyquan a brand new bicycle from Volcanic Bikes and Tiger Mountain Tactical and Galls provided him with a new helmet. Tyquan can now safely ride his bicycle and practice to possibly become a member of the Cleveland Division of Police Bike Patrol Unit in the future!”
4:30 p.m.
On Day 4 of the RNC, Public Square continues to bustle with demonstrators.
In one area, a religious group is using a bullhorn to spout that gays and Muslims are going to hell. Immediately in front of them, a group of women from Code Pink are blasting “I’m Just A Girl” from a speaker while dancing joyfully through a water fountain.
Police are reacting quickly when opposing groups get heated. One group began shouting against Black Lives Matter demonstrators, with one protestor telling an upset black woman to “Calm down, Shaniqua.” Police interacted quickly to stop the woman from charging.
Meanwhile, a anarchist group used a megaphone to shout its message. In their midst was Vermin Supreme, an activist who often runs for president and is known for wearing a rubber boot on his head.
– Nick Glunt
4:21 p.m. Two George State Troopers helping with protesters in Cleveland have been injured. One is being treated downtown by EMS. The other, who is heading to a local hospital, said someone bumped him in crowd, he felt a stinging sensation and then his arm went numb. Police dispatchers said officers should detain anyone with yellow elephant stickers with the words, “F*cking awesome” or yellow stickers that say “I am awesome.” A hazardous materials team will analyze what’s in stickers. Meanwhile, officers are pushing groups of protesters north toward Lake Erie. This is the second day of tense encounters between officers and protesters. Groups today included Bikers for Trump, Anarchists, Communists, at least one Christian organization and people who support Trump.
- Amanda Garrett
4:05 p.m.
Horse and rider OK
Cleveland police reported via Facebook that a police horse that fell down in the crosswalk Wednesday — in a video that was making the rounds through social media — is fine, as is his rider. Turned out to be Captain David King of the Medina County Sheriff’s Department and Stormy.
According to previous news reports, the Cleveland Division of Police Mounted Unit has about 30 horses on the streets this week. And the Fort Worth Police Department sent 8 horses up from Texas, in a 23-hour trek, to help out at the RNC.
3:37 p.m.
Whoops
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump won’t make a campaign stop Friday in Akron after all.
The campaign had planned to rent E.J. Thomas Hall on the University of Akron campus for the event the day after the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, but UA spokesman Wayne Hill said Thursday afternoon that the appearance has been canceled.
The campaign provided no reason for the cancellation, he said.
2:40 p.m.
Most details about Donald Trump’s hastily-arranged appearance Friday at Akron’s E.J. Thomas Hall remain murky - including what time it starts and how to get tickets. But two men with trowels are working this afternoon on the cement steps there near the round fountain. An Akron Fire Department vehicle is parked near the hall’s main entrance and temporary signs also warn University of Akron staff and students that they can’t park near the front doors of the building. School officials are meeting with Trump staff this afternoon to work out details of the Trump’s visit.
2:39 p.m.
Time for biz
Why does the RNC have to be all about politics?
The Alliance for American Manufacturing thought all of those folks assembled in one place would be a great time to brag about the 3D printing industry in Youngstown.
Staff from the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber is answering questions at a tent and showing off a larger-than-life 3D-printed Donald Trump bobblehead, made by Freshmade 3D.
At 7 feet tall and 300 pounds, it was printed from fiberglass-reinforced sand, and is valued at about $35,000. Trump’s head alone, with his famed locks, took 225 hours to print in plastic.
2:25 p.m.
By the Numbers
Here’s a breakdown of the 23 people arrested at the RNC so far:
• 13 women, 10 men
• 15 white, 5 black, 3 Hispanic
• Oldest is 68; youngest is 19; 13 of the arrestees were born in the 1970s or 80s.
• 5 are from Ohio; 17 are from other states; 1 is from Australia
• Names, main charge and hometown:
From Ohio: Joselito DeJesus of Cleveland, petty theft; Kathy Coleman of University Hts, obstruction; Sharon Spencer of Akron, criminal mischief; Steven Fridley of Poland, Ohio, failure to disperse; Dominique Knox of Cleveland Heights, assault on police officer; Rafael Schiller-Lader of Berkely, Calif., failure to disperse.
From California: Jacqueline Zepeda of Los Angeles, criminal mischief; Lisa Castanon of San Francisco, aggravated arson; Diya Cruz of Berkely, Calif., failure to disperse; Linda Daitsman of Los Angeles, failure to disperse; Gregory Johnson of San Francisco, disorderly conduct; Joseph Scogin of Oxnard, Calif., assault of police officer.
From other states: Elizabeth Paulsen of Mt. Rainer, MD, criminal trespass; Salome Artemis Arrant of Harris, Texas, failure to disperse; Edward Diaz of New York, NY, failure to disperse; Courtney Donelson of St. Paul, Minn., failure to disperse; Ernestine Hamilton, hometown refused, failure to disperse; Victoria Inguanta of New Hyde Park, NY, failure to disperse; Richard Newburger of Chicago, failure to disperse; Zullay Pichardo of New York, NY, failure to disperse; Brendan Sullivan of Normal, Ill., failure to disperse; Julie Leroy of Chicago, Ill., failure to disperse.
From other countries: Zane Lovitt of Templestone, Australia, failure to disperse.
2:02 p.m.
Drink water
With temperatures reaching the mid-90s, the city of Cleveland is trying to make sure demonstrators and visitors stay hydrated.
Cleveland Water has four spigots to fill water bottles at Willard Park near Lakeside Avenue, the south side of Perk Plaza, the south side of Mall A, and Settlers Landing. In addition, Cleveland Water’s buggies are at four locations: West Sixth and Frankfort, Kirtland Park, Sumner Court and Public Square.
The city is also reminding folks that the signs of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin; a fast and weak pulse, nausea or vomiting; dizziness or fainting. And heat stroke means a body temperature of above 103°F; hot, red, dry or moist skin; and a rapid and strong pulse. In either of those cases, seek medical attention. EMS staff is stationed throughout the city.
1:58 p.m.
Rock hall funnies
The team at Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame continues to have fun with the RNC, sending out music-related press releases. Thursday, it issued a tongue-in-cheek playlist of songs by Hall of Fame inductees that were inspired by convention events. The list includes “You’re the Inspiration” by Chicago, inspired by Melania Trump’s use of a previous Michelle Obama speech; “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley, inspired by Chris Christie asking the crowd to reply “guilty” or “not guilty” when he spoke about Hillary Clinton; and “Lying Eyes” by the Eagles, referencing Sen. Ted Cruz’s refusal to endorse Donald Trump.
Noon
UA at RNC
Ten University of Akron students are getting a first-hand political science lesson this week at the convention.
The students are taking UA Professor David Cohen’s campaign, convention and elections course this summer and are attending both the Republican and Democratic conventions. The Democratic convention is in Philadelphia next week.
Caleb Henderson, 21, a senior who is among the students, said the highlight of his experience at the RNC has been being in Quicken Loans Arena to see the action and hear some of the speakers in person. He said he was impressed with Indian Gov. Mike Pence’s speech Wednesday.
“His speech lit a fire on the floor of the delegates,” Henderson said of Trump’s running mate.
Henderson disagreed with the media who said Pence’s speech was overshadowed by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who was booed when he refused to endorse Trump during his remarks.
“He (Pence) really rallied everyone,” said Henderson, who is a Republican and plans to vote for Trump, though the Republican presidential nominee is not his first choice.
Henderson said he is looking forward to attending the Democratic convention and comparing it to the RNC.
11 a.m.
Arrests rise
The number of arrests rose from five to 23 between Tuesday and Wednesday, the day of the most arrests so far, according to a Cleveland press release.
A demonstrator lit an American flag at East Fourth and Prospect, an act that isn’t illegal. The protester lit himself and other demonstrators on fire because of their close proximity, according to the release.
Firefighters extinguished the fire and confiscated the flag. Two demonstrators were injured trying to put out the fire but declined treatment.
A Cleveland police officer and Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper were assaulted and sustained minor injuries. As a result, two demonstrators were charged with felonious assault.
After the assault, police issued an order to disperse, but 15 protesters refused and were arrested for charges that included failure to disperse and resisting arrest, according to the release.
— Stephanie Warsmith