Man becomes first Donald Trump protester arrested over ‘offensive sign' during President's visit to Scotland

Scottish Sun

21 hours ago

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POLICE arrested a man for alleged abusive behaviour moments after Donald Trump arrived in Scotland on Friday.
The US President, 79, touched down at Prestwick Airport aboard Air Force One at around 8.30pm for his five-day private visit.
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A man became the first Donald Trump protester to be arrested over an 'offensive sign'
Credit: Getty
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He was nicked by cops moments after the US President arrived in Scotland
Credit: EPA
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It happened while hundreds flocked to the Mound to watch Air Force One land at Prestwick Airport
Credit: AP
Mr Trump eventually surfaced at 8.40pm at the door of the aircraft, waving to the crowds, and was then welcomed by Scottish Secretary Ian Murray.
The Republican chief was then whisked to his luxury Turnberry resort 20 miles down the Ayrshire coast, where he has been spotted playing golf over the weekend.
But moments after Mr Trump's specially customised Boeing 747-200B jets landed, police arrested a man for alleged abusive behaviour.
The man, aged 20, was next to the military airport in Ayrshire where Air Force One landed, holding a large sign.
Witnesses have claimed that the writing on the placard had an offensive slur on it that was directed at Mr Trump.
It is understood that the alleged incident unfolded in the Mound viewing point, which is close to Prestwick Airport.
This is where a large crowd of people gathered to catch the iconic aircraft landing.
A large number of officers were in the area at the time.
One local said they heard a shout moments after the aircraft landed on the tarmac and saw police put the man in handcuffs.
They added: "It all happened really quickly".
Donald Trump tees off at luxury Turnberry course during Scots visit
Officers confirmed that the man was arrested "for abusive behaviour and refusing to stop".
They also issued him with a recorded police warning.
Hundreds of Scots gathered to watch as the president of the free world arrived on Friday.
Mr Trump spoke to members of the media after disembarking the plane, and hailed 007 legend Sir Sean Connery for helping him build his golf courses.
He wasted no time in name-dropping the acting legend as he stepped off the flight from the States.
Mr Trump said Connery, from Edinburgh, helped him get the permits for the two courses at the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire that he will visit this week.
The new course will be named after his mother, Mary MacLeod, who was born and raised on the Isle of Lewis.
He said: 'There's no place like Turnberry. It's the best course in the world.
'My son is going to cut a ribbon for the second course in Aberdeen.
'We love you, Trump'
DONALD Trump was seen blowing kisses to to supporters this morning as he teed off for a second round of golf at his luxury Turnberry resort.
Three hardy Trump fans from Liverpool gathered on the dunes near the course today and shouted 'We Love you Trump' as he left the third green.
Kay English, 38, said she and hubby Tom had travelled from England to show the President that he was loved by people in the UK.
The pair wore 'Make England Great Again' caps modelled on the MAGA design and waved a Stars and Stripes.
They held up a crude banner mocking Sir Keir Starmer which Mr Trump tried to read from the course.
Kay said: "I shouted 'We love you, Trump' because I want him to realise those protests against him are the minority.
"I was so happy that he blew me a kiss. I like him because he stands for the people, unlike our politicians."
Mr Trump began his round around 10.45am with an entourage of 27 golf buggies following on behind him.
The President was also joined by his son Eric again this morning on the Ailsa course. His other son Donald Trump Jr was also spotted on the course.
The President always played first but appeared to be struggling with the brisk wind.
He had to play out of a bunker on the fourth but was able to pitch from the sand in one shot.
'Sean Connery helped get me the permits, if it wasn't for Sean Connery we wouldn't have those great courses.'
Despite the arrest, many Trump fans descended on the spot close to the runway from Friday morning to wait for his arrival.
One supporter waved a Make America Great Again flag, while another man wore a cap with the tongue-in-cheek message Scotland Is Already Great emblazoned on it.
Some youngsters were also seen sporting Mr Trump's signature red MAGA hat.
The airport area was under heavy security, with scores of cops keeping a close eye on the crowds.
Police snipers also stood watch on Prestwick's air traffic control tower and a scaffold platform close to where the Commander in Chief disembarked the iconic modified Boeing 747.
Mr Trump's visit is expected to last until Tuesday, July 29.
The President is also scheduled to meet Scottish First Minister John Swinney and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during his trip.
A massive £5million security operation has been rolled out to ensure his safety, with around 6,000 police officers drafted in from across the UK to support the efforts.
We previously told how police and security services assessed fears that Mr Trump could be assassinated during his visit to Scotland after he survived an attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania last year.
David Threadgold, General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said "a huge amount of threat assessment and intelligence gathering' took place ahead of the visit.