St. Peters (KSDK)--The Republican caucus in St. Charles County came to an abrupt end on Saturday afternoon when police were called in to restore order.
More than 2,500 people were attending the caucus at Francis Howell North High School in St. Peters.
Police say the problem started when a man with a video camera was asked to leave. When he refused, the organizer adjourned the caucus. When several caucusers became upset because they were not allowed to vote, organizers called police for crowd control.
However, several caucusers dispute that account, saying they were upset that certain procedures weren't being followed.
"I was doing what I had to do. There was no other place to try and reconvene that meeting. I was not inciting anyone to anything. I was addressing a crowd that had gone quiet to listen to me talk," said Brent Stafford. Stafford was arrested at the caucus. "I was on public property, this was put on the call to caucus 15 days earlier to be at that location. There was no other option."
Two people were arrested for trespassing when they refused to leave school property. Brent Stafford, 45 and Kenneth Suitter, 55, were taken to the St. Peters Justice Center where they were booked and released.
St. Peters Park Rangers, St. Charles County Sheriff's Deputies, St. Charles Police and troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol also responded to the school to help with crowd control.
The Missouri Republican Party issued a statement late Saturday saying despite today's incident St. Charles County will still be represented at the convention.
GOP Statement:
"Across Missouri, record numbers of Republicans turned out at their local caucuses in a show of support for the Republican candidates for president.
"Given the importance of this election cycle, we understand that emotions run high, but it is important that these caucuses are conducted in a fair, open, and honest manner.
"Today's events in St Charles were unfortunate-and the meeting was adjourned to protect the safety of all participants.
"Moving forward, the State Party plans to reach out to all parties involved. We will come to an agreement to ensure that St Charles County is fully represented throughout the nominating process."
David Cole
Chairman, Missouri Republican Party