Seaside Heights reluctantly approves permit for pro-Trump march on boardwalk

     The Seaside Heights boardwalk. (Photo: kjarrett via Flickr)

    The Seaside Heights boardwalk. (Photo: kjarrett via Flickr)

    Officials in a Jersey Shore town have reluctantly approved a permit for a rally in support of President Donald Trump.

    The Asbury Park Press reports Seaside Heights Mayor Anthony Vaz originally denied the request for a pro-Trump rally on the borough’s boardwalk because of concerns about clashes with opposing groups. Vaz, a Republican, asked the Trump supporters to move the rally elsewhere.

    However, officials say the event was eventually approved to avoid any potential legal issues. Officials have since received complaints about the rally.

    Dubbed the Make America Great Again March, organizers say they’re marching for the president, vice president, military, and first responders.

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    “We are the silent majority and we are ready for a real change. We are not protesting anything about America. We are only showing our support for it and encouragement for the change that is happening,” the march website states. 

    Organizer Nesya Eng told NJ 101.5 that the event is constitutionally protected and security shouldn’t be the event’s determining factor. 

    The mayor says police officers from neighboring towns and state police will assist in crowd control. The borough says marchers must remain on the east side of the boardwalk and will not be able to block entrances, the 101.5 report said. 

    The event is scheduled for Saturday between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

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    The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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