Supporters, opponents gear up for Trump rally in Phoenix

PHOENIX (AP) -- Supporters and opponents are preparing for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to rally in Phoenix this weekend.

The presumptive GOP presidential nominee is expected to appear Saturday afternoon at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The venue seats up to 14,500 people.

A coalition of Hispanic advocacy groups is planning a nearby demonstration but it is scheduled to end before the Trump event starts.

The organizations say their protest will be peaceful and that they are discouraging violence.

A group called Lion's Guard Arizona is volunteering to escort rally attendees to and from their vehicles.

Spokeswoman Cindy Perrin says they are offering protection in the wake of violence at other rallies.

Anti-Trump protesters are accused of hurling objects, damaging property and assaulting supporters at recent campaign events.