Proud Boys stopped by police before reaching anti-Trump rally in Orlando

A group of Proud Boys appearing to be headed to attend President Trump’s reelection campaign launch in Orlando, Fla., on Tuesday were stopped by police when they tried to confront anti-Trump demonstrators.

Video from reporter Philip Crowther shows officers from the Orlando Police Department on bikes blocking the self-pronounced Proud Boys from interacting with the demonstrators.{mosads}

Several of the men are pictured wearing red “Make America Great Again” hats, the signature apparel of the Trump campaign. 

Members of the white supremacist Proud Boys group have been stopped from reaching anti-Trump protesters. pic.twitter.com/c3wXFhMIcM

— Philip Crowther (@PhilipinDC) June 18, 2019

Earlier video posted by Crowther shows some of the Proud Boys interacting with a protestor.

They’re heading toward the anti-Trump rally. pic.twitter.com/fWS1dR1fbI

— Philip Crowther (@PhilipinDC) June 18, 2019

The Proud Boys describe themselves as “western chauvinists” who reject alt-right ideology. The Southern Poverty Law Center labels them a hate group and says members regularly use the language of white nationalism.

Trump’s rally in Orlando at the 20,000-seat Amway Center drew what Trump claimed to be record requests, with 100,000 people seeking a spot inside.

Attendees reportedly lined up nearly 40 hours in advance to secure a seat.

Anti-Trump demonstrators were expected to show up in numbers as well, with reports that the inflatable 20-foot “Baby Trump” balloon would also make an appearance.

The largest anti-Trump demonstration Tuesday in Orlando was being held at a gay bar near the arena where Trump will speak.