Chaos descends on Republican National Convention as anti-Trump delegates try to air grievances
Activists attempt to force roll call vote as gun-carrying supporters and protesters gather outside Ohio venue in US
THE Republican National Convention descended into chaos in the US and was branded a circus on Monday after just a few hours.
Inside the venue in Cleveland, Ohio, anti-Trump activists tried to force a roll-call so they could show their disapproval of the presumptive presidential nominee.
Meanwhile outside the venue, gun owners paraded their firearms in full view, with one wearing a T-shirt with a slogan which compared Muslim’s belief in God to worshipping Satan.
In an attempt to keep the peace, 5000 police officers were called into the area to keep things calm in Cleveland.
The major flashpoint came when there was an attempt to pass a rules package – but the anti-Trump faction was having none of it.
Rep Steve Womack, who was in the chair, was met with jeers and cheers, as he told the delegates: “In the opinion of the chair, the ayes have it and the resolution is agreed to.”
He confirmed the decision with a bash of his gavel.
However the anti-Trump delegates believed they had enough votes to force a roll call vote, erupting with cat calls from while those in support chanted: “USA, USA!”
The vote would have meant those against Trump could register disapproval and have a chance to air their grievances on the billionaire.
Steve Womack, who was presiding over the affair, departed the stage for several minutes, before returning and then offered up the opportunity for the roll call vote saying: “Without objection he chair will put the question of adoption of the report from the committee on rules de novo.”
The hall was filled with a cacophony of noise as those in favour yelled “ayes” while those against shouted “no.”
Womack declared the ayes the winner.
However he told the crowd nine states had turned in petitions seeking the roll call vote, but three had subsequently lost the majority of delegates needed.
Under rule 39, a roll call vote can be called if a majority of seven delegations demand the vote.
They didn’t have enough numbers, which meant it could not go through.
In protest, Colorado delegates took to the floor and walked to show their protest.
The states which submitted signatures were Colorado, Utah, Washington, Minnesota, Iowa, Virginia, Maine, and DC.
The scenes did not do much to present a secure and united front behind their presumptive presidential candidate.
And the lack of senior party figures also appeared to be an indication Trump did not have majority support – particularly with the absence of both former Republican presidents – George W Bush and George H W Bush.
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Many were waiting with baited breath for his wife Melania to come to the stage, where she was scheduled to speak at the Convention on Monday night.
Utah Senator Mike Lee told after the incident:”I have never in all my life, certainly in six years in the United States Senate, prior to that as a lifelong Republican, never seen anything like this.
“There is no precedent for this in parliamentary procedure.
“There is no precedent for this in the rules of the Republican National Convention.
“We are now in uncharted territory.
“Somebody owes us an explanation.
“I have never seen the chair abandoned like that.
“They vacated the stage entirely.”
Eric Minor, who had supported Ted Cruz fumed: 'We wanted to have a roll call vote!
“You prevented that from happening!
“That's not how it works in America!'
“'What you just did is what happens in Venezuela, or in the Soviet Union in the 1980s.
“It doesn't happen in America – except under Donald Trump!”
Meanwhile gun fanatics, along with anti-Islamic supporters and Trump activists as well as haters, were outside the venue parading their rifles and other assorted firearms.
They were showing off their weapons under the Second Amendment.
Cleveland police had requested they wouldn’t brink their guns near the RNC.
Meanwhile Black Lives Matter supporters along with other civil rights groups were also there.