RNC 2016 highlights: Pastor delivers hateful benediction, Clinton blamed for Benghazi and more

The Republican National Convention (RNC) kicked off on Monday 18 July and it was far from a quiet event. The day began with chaos among delegates and progressively grew more fractious as the day went on.

The first night of the RNC was dubbed 'Make America Safe Again' and featured several speakers lambasting presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for her alleged failures in Benghazi, while also praising presumptive GOP nominee, Donald Trump, for his perceived ability to keep the nation safe.

IBTimes UK has rounded up some of the highlights from the first night of the convention.

Benediction or hateful attack against Democrats

Pastor Mark Burns, of South Carolina, delivered the convention's benediction, which caused quite a stir online. "I'm Pastor Mark Burns from the great state of South Carolina! I'm gonna pray and I'm gonna give the benediction. And you know why? Because we are electing a man in Donald Trump who believes in the name of Jesus Christ. And Republicans, we got to be united, because our enemy is not other Republicans — but is Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party," he said.

Chachi loves Trump

Longtime Republican actor, Scott Baio, gave an impassioned speech in support of Trump, who personally asked him to speak at the convention. Baio claimed that "the things we hold dear are being attacked" and proclaimed Trump was the best candidate to keep America safe.

Clinton blamed for Benghazi

Patricia Smith, the mother of Sean Smith, who was killed in Benghazi, blamed Hillary Clinton for the death of her son in an emotional speech.

For all of this loss, for all of this grief, for all of the cynicism the tragedy in Benghazi has wrought upon America, I blame Hillary Clinton. I blame Hillary Clinton personally for the death of my son.

In an email to her daughter shortly after the attack, Hillary Clinton blamed it on terrorism. But when I saw Hillary Clinton at Sean's coffin ceremony, just days later, she looked me squarely in the eye and told me a video was responsible.

Since then, I have repeatedly asked Hillary Clinton to explain to me the real reason why my son is dead. I'm still waiting.

Trump competes for airtime

As Smith gave an emotional account of her son's death, Trump appeared to be competing with his own convention for air time. The presumptive GOP nominee called Fox News to discuss a number of topics: Black Lives Matter, Ohio Governor John Kasich and his running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, according to Talking Points Memo. The billionaire businessman also had a pre-recorded interview with the Golf Channel—yes you read that right—aired at the same time as the RNC.

Benghazi Security Team members make tampon joke

US Marine Corp veterans Mark Geist and John Tiegen, who were part of the security team in Benghazi, gave a blow-by-blow account of the 2012 terrorist attack and even managed to sneak in a joke about feminine products.

Trump cares for Americans

Sabine Durden, a mother who lost her son in a motorcycle accident involving an undocumented immigrant, praised Trump for being a candidate that cares more for Americans than those living in the US illegally. "Hillary Clinton, or as we know her, Crooked Hillary, always talks about what she will do for illegal aliens and what she will do for refugees," said Durden. She added that: "[Trump] talks about what he will do for America."

Help in on the way

Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton used his speaking time to assure the people of the world that "help is on the way". Cotton slammed President Barack Obama for "leading from behind" and made snide remarks towards Clinton without even mentioning her. "It would be nice to have a commander-in-chief who could be trusted to handle classified information," he noted.

Guiliani on Obama and race

The former NYC mayor delivered a rambling speech against the president and racial injustice and terrorism, noted The Atlantic. "What happened to there's no white America, there's no black America?" he said.

Trump introduces wife Melania

The presumptive nominee made a splash of an entrance ane presented his wife Melania. His typically shy other half used her time on stage to denounce the characterisation of her husband. "He's tough when he has to be, but he's also kind, and fair and caring," she said. "This kindness is not always noted, but it is there for all to see. That is one reason I fell in love with him to begin with. Donald is intensely loyal to family, friends, employees, country." The former model also claimed her husband would work to unite the country.

Senator Joni Ernst speaks to a largely empty convention

The senator, who was once on Trump's VP shortlist, gave an interesting speech — to a largely empty room. Jokes floated on Twitter that actor Clint Eastwood's speech to an empty chair during the 2012 convention did not look quite as ridiculous now as it once did.