Protesters rally outside GOP debate in Boulder

Only about 1,000 tickets were available for the GOP presidential debate Wednesday night. Many people who couldn’t get inside waited outside for hours and protested.

Crowds covered the University of Colorado Boulder campus, many marching
with posters in hand pushing for gun control.

“People should be able to go to church and pray without being fearful they’re going to be killed. They should be able to go to college or first grade and not fear they’re going to be killed,” said Dawn Rhinefield with the group “Mom’s Demand Action.”

Donald Trump was the only candidate asked about the topic. He said gun-free zones are a target practice for the mentally ill and he would change polices. That was something one group of protesters wanted to hear.

“The fact is that every year in this country about 32,000 people are killed by guns. That is not an acceptable situation,” said Stephanie Greenberg with the group “Mom’s Demand Action.”

Others protested hedge funds, saying the political system donates too much money.

“How are we going to fund things? I think you look at Donald Trump and Jeb Bush and they all agree on things but when you look at their policies, taxes are going to get lower and lower,” said Charles Khan, protester.

Among the group outside, not everyone was protesting. There were several groups who wanted to create awareness on certain issues.

“Veteran issues haven’t really been brought up all that much. We want to make sure that veterans are getting a voice and we are being represented,” said Jordon Daniel with Veterans of America.

Planned Parenthood supporters also were vying for attention. They were among hundreds of people hoping their messages spread far beyond the debate into next year’s election.