15 photos of protesters at the GOP Debate

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Mar 4, 2016 at 5:10 pm

The circus is in town. Okay, not really, but it sure felt that way at times on Thursday night when the remaining GOP candidates descended on the Fox Theatre to address big questions about immigration, economics, and whether size really does matter. While they duked it out on stage, protesters of every stripe gathered along Woodward to make their voices heard.

By Colleen Kowalewski

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The Fox Theatre lit up the night in patriotic colors, the new LED marquees proclaiming it America’s Election HQ.
Photo via Instagram user @GrandCircusCo

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Inside, media gathered in the grand lobby of the Fox Theatre to await the candidates.
Photo via Instagram user @Eenafefe

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Detroit Police lined the sidewalk in front of the Fox, separating protesters from attendees waiting to get inside.
Photo via Instagram user @Angies2883

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Hundreds of protesters showed up for the event despite chilly temperatures and blowing snow.
Photo via Instagram user @Christeenie222

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Demonstrators from local and national movements took to the streets as the national spotlight turned to Detroit for the last GOP debate before Michigan’s primary elections.
Photo via Instagram user @SpencerWhite_0

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From horseback, Detroit Police kept watch over the assembled crowds as the night passed without incident.
Photo via Instagram user @idaaron

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Protesters carry a wall with a message to the candidates, mocking Trump’s promise to build a wall along the Mexican border.
Photo via Instagram user @Live______Free

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Bundled against the weather, a protester carries a Flint Lives Matter sign. The Flint water crisis was on the minds of many protesters who drew comparisons between Gov. Snyder and GOP frontrunner Donald Trump.
Photo via Instagram user @AmySackaPhotography

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The words “arrest Snyder” shone in the night in front of the debate venue.
Photo via Instagram user @MsLadyJustice1

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The message “dump Trump” echoed loud and clear along the street, uniting protesters against a common enemy.
Photo via Instagram user @nyjusticeleague

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The Fight for $15 movement was well represented among the protesters on Woodward, carrying signs demanding a higher minimum wage and an end to stagnant working class pay.
Photo via Instagram user @joemyersflieshigher

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A group of protesters used mock police riot shields to issue a call to action to those committed to justice.
Photo via Instagram user @Kammokay

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Each riot shield contained a question, challenging the candidates to take a stand on issues of public safety and criminal justice reform… subjects that were notably absent from the discussion going on inside.
Photo via Instagram user @ra_meen

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After the debate, reporters swarmed around Donald Trump for one last picture or comment from the bombastic candidate.
Photo via Instagram user @ShannonBream

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A stoic demonstrator waved a flag in the snow, a reminder of the stakes of the contest going on inside and of the common interest that unites protesters and candidates alike.
Photo via Instagram user @idaaron

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