Protesters form human chain around Kennedy Center after Trump demolition threat

Thousands of protesters held a rally outside the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington on Friday and formed a human chain around parts of the complex to protest President Donald Trump’s threats to close and possibly demolish the landmark venue.

Hands Off the Arts organized a protest after Trump threatened to have the Kennedy Centre “ripped down” if his administration was not recognized for its contribution to the facility. A federal judge has ordered the centre to give 30 days’ notice before making major physical changes, including demolition.

Trump has also tried to get his name on the building, but a judge ruled the centre cannot be renamed without congressional approval. The Trump-aligned board voted this week to shutter the venue indefinitely for repairs.

Chris Raleigh, co-founder of Hands Off the Arts, said the protest was intended to show that people were willing to oppose Trump’s plans. “This may be the line that no one expected, but this is where the line is going to be,” he said, according to The Associated Press.