Vice President’s Visit Disrupted by Protesters in Wisconsin

Footage reveals that Vice President JD Vance, who intended to tour Lacrosse, Wisconsin, on Thursday, encountered a surprising detour on his way to a steel mill in Mid City. His motorcade diverted into a field, much to the dismay of protesters lined up along Copeland Avenue, who hurriedly moved toward Rose Street after the convoy bypassed the original protest area.

According to the Chippewa Herald, the Vice President’s visit aimed to underscore President Trump’s trade and tariff initiatives, specifically at steel factories in the central region. Carol Nelson from Caledonia, Minnesota, expressed her frustration, saying, “I didn’t try because I knew I couldn’t run fast enough. It was their dirty trick.”

Another protester, Marina Dvorak, described the situation as a “bait and switch,” highlighting the confusion among those who had gathered on Rose Street ahead of the motorcade’s arrival.

Wisconsin Democrats shared video footage on X, showing protesters with signs on both sides of the road and sirens blaring. As the motorcade began to pass, protesters rushed across grassy fields to intersect with the convoy, waving their signs and cheering.

The protests spanned about a quarter mile along Copeland Avenue, voicing concerns about various issues including inflation, immigration enforcement, and environmental policies, as reported by the Chippewa Herald. Doreen Pfost noted, “What we saw was that they were threatened well by us, and they had to change their route.” Additionally, Lacrosse County Democrats Chairman William Garcia criticized the Vice President’s focus on steel factories, emphasizing that Trump’s 50% tariff on steel imports inadequately addresses the challenges faced by domestic producers.

Garcia pointed out that “most steel is made abroad, meaning everything that mid-city steel produces is expensive.” The Lacrosse Police Department has yet to comment on the protests following the event.