Chaos erupted Wednesday night at a gathering to show support for South Bend mayor and Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg.

It happened as African American leaders in South Bend held a

at the Charles Martin Youth Center to talk about Buttigieg's leadership and impact as South Bend mayor.

While Councilwoman Sharon Mcbride was speaking, a protester in a Black Lives Matter T-shirt began heckling her, with other Black Lives Matter protesters chiming in from the back.

The man was eventually removed from the room while chanting "This is a farce!"

Local leaders say the event was not to endorse Buttigieg for president.

Buttigieg's campaign staff says it was an effort to show the mayor, who is currently struggling in the polls with black voters, has support among black residents in South Bend.

Black Lives Matter South Bend responded to the news conference in press release sent out Thursday afternoon.

The group says it fully supports the actions of its members and allies at Wednesday night's event, saying the "protest represents only a fraction of the longstanding pain many endure due to Buttigieg's mismanagement and disregard for issues that affect many black citizens of South Bend."

Meanwhile, Buttigieg's campaign team claims the protester was a supporter of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, so

Thursday afternoon saying it does not support the disruption of any candidates' events and it condemns anyone who does so.

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