"That’s what freedom sounds like,” Pence said as protesters jeered him at an Ohio rally. | AP Photo Pence to protesters: 'That's what freedom looks like'

LIMA, Ohio — Two protesters disrupted a Mike Pence rally Friday night, introducing a new element that has so far been absent in Donald Trump’s running mate’s campaign.

“Lima trumps hate! Lima trumps hate!” chanted two sign-wielding protesters about seven minutes into Pence’s speech, in a tweak to a chant that’s become a staple at Hillary Clinton campaign events: “Love trumps hate.”


Pence paused as he realized what was happening, and the crowd began to jeer and boo at the protesters. One man repeatedly yelled, “Leave!”

“How about ‘USA’?” Pence calmly suggested from the podium. The crowd immediately began to chant “USA” as the two protesters were escorted out by officials.

“As I tell my kids … that’s what freedom looks like, and that’s what freedom sounds like,” Pence said. He then moved on with his speech.

Protesters are relatively commonplace at Trump rallies, but these appear to be the first at one of Pence’s rallies.

Announcements before Trump rallies instruct attendees not to harm any potential protesters and instead signal to law enforcement and chant “Trump!” There is no such announcement before Pence rallies, and the mild-mannered Indiana governor chose a different chant.

The two protesters will not be charged, according to police officers at the event.

The event marked the end of Pence's first solo campaign swing, which included rallies in Wisconsin and Michigan, as well as a Michigan town hall.