Police try dispersing protesters ahead of Trump arrival

Police with riot gear arrived to push back protesters led by Native American activists in South Dakota on Friday, as US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania visit the state for an Independence Day celebration event at Mount Rushmore.

More than 100 protesters, many Lakota, lined the road leading from Keystone to the monument holding signs and playing Lakota music in hot temperatures.

An officer approached the media to warn them to move away from the police engagement saying "you're not going to like the effects coming."

Leaders of Native American tribes in the region also raised concerns that the event could lead to virus outbreaks among their members, who they say are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 because of an underfunded health care system and chronic health conditions.

Some Native American groups are using Trump's visit to protest the Mount Rushmore memorial itself, pointing out that the Black Hills were taken from the Lakota people against treaty agreements.

Some held their fists in the air as cars carrying event attendees passed by.

Others held signs that read “Protect SoDak's First People,” “You Are On Stolen Land” and “Dismantle White Supremacy."