WALKER, Mich. — Every seat was filled, while an estimated 1,000 or more spectators filled in floor space around the stage at the DeltaPlex Monday night to see Republican front-runner Donald Trump take the stage.
“We love Michigan! We love it!” Trump said as he first entered the arena for his first campaign stop in West Michigan and second in the state since he announced his presidential run.
Seating capacity inside the DeltaPlex is roughly 7,500.
While never scripted, Trump didn't stray far from what's become expected of the bombastic and outspoken candidate, from building a wall along the Mexican border to "knocking the hell" out of ISIS.
Security escorted at least 10 people out of the building the hour-long speech for heckling Trump, frequently shouting inaudible things at the candidate.
Trump didn't miss a beat, calling the protesters sad and staged.
“We should’ve been doing that," he told the crowd, "because what they’ve done to our country is destroyed our country.”
As expected, Trump also hit hard against his Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton after she called him one of ISIS's best recruiters during this past weekend's Democratic debate.
“She's a liar, and the last person she wants to run against is me,” Trump said.
The GOP front-runner also took shots at the media while addressing criticisms that he has become too friendly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"They say aren't you at all offended, he killed three reporters," Trump said. "I don’t like that."
But Trump then went on to say "I don’t like them," pointing to the media positioned in the back of the arena. "I would never kill them, but I do hate them," he said.
Michael Bentley said his drive from Muskegon to see Trump was worth it, even though he admits he's still not committed to one candidate.
“There’s a frustration in the American electorate, and Trump is not a stupid person. He taps into that and knows how to speak to the people," Bentley said. "He’s not speaking from a script."
