If Aurora were a “war zone,” words were the weapons Friday as Trump supporters and detractors went on the offensive.

As they waited for former President Trump to speak, supporters filing into the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center had some choice insults for protestors. 

“You’re a pedophile!” said one rally-goer to a demonstrator who had just told him that she is a public school teacher. “Quit trying to sexually abuse children by making them think that they’re trans. It’s not a thing.”

He carried a flag that said “Trump 2024. (Expletive) your feelings.” 

“Go home, Kamala!” one Trump supporter yelled at a woman across the street whose sign showed a comma next to the word “la.” 

Around three dozen protesters who placed themselves at the entrance of the posh facility held hand-made signs in full view of thousands of people filing by. The latter had been in line for nearly two hours, hoping to get inside.

“Trump’s lies hurt my city and the USA,” said one sign.

“Fear monger,” said another. 

One bright yellow sign showed a photo of a kitten with the message: “Don’t Snack on Me.” 

Aurora Police Department officers clad in SWAT gear kept watch over the clash of words.

“As long as they use their First Amendment rights, we are okay,” said Sgt. Mike Tilton.

He said that some people in the crowd were armed.

Colorado is one of 31 states in the U.S. where adults can openly carry legally possessed firearms. 

Among the crowd waiting to get inside an hour before the former president’s speech were some who were disgusted by the divisiveness of both sides.

“Where is our ability to respect each other’s differences?” said Lisa Sparling, of Eerie.

“If they were to get up in my face, then that would be another thing,” said her friend, Cindy Lanham, who added that she came because “never in my lifetime will I get to experience the likes of this again.” 

In the middle of the commotion, Brian Sterling, who supports Trump, the Democratic nominee, and Tim Mullineaux, who backs Vice President Kamala Harris, listened to one another.

“You might disagree, but Trump lost the election,” Mullineaux said to a skeptical-looking Sterling.

“But you have to know the facts,” Sterling said, explaining that he believes there was manipulation of the 2020 votes. 

The two ended up crossing their arms, their jaws set.

“It’s sad. They don’t get it, but that’s okay,” Janet Marie Gomez said of the protesters.

Quite afternoon at Ground Zero 

As the rally was in full swing, a quiet afternoon unfolded at the Whispering Pines Apartments, one of the properties that has been the ground zero for the national debate surrounding Venezuelan gang activity. 

At the apartment complex where a video of young men carrying weapons in the hallways was recorded on a doorbell camera, multiple activist groups threw a barbecue and registered neighbors to vote in the upcoming election. 

A handful of young children played in the courtyard of The Edge Apartments at Lowry, unaware that Colorado was at the center of national attention. 

“We’re having a party to show the community of Aurora that we’re not what Donald Trump is saying it is. Take a look around. This is not a war zone,” said Aurora Safe Haven’s Ana Miller.