FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Rev. Al Sharpton's visit to Fort Wayne came off without a hitch Monday.

With tight security and visible police protection, the national civil rights leader addressed a capacity crowd of several hundred people at Come As You Are Church on the city's southeast side. 

Sharpton told the crowd he wasn't there to stir up trouble, nor to share a racial or political message, but to be part of the solution to local violence and to urge all sides to come together. 

This statement came after media members, including WOWO News, were asked to leave the church less than an hour before he was scheduled to talk. Later members of the press were welcomed back inside.

While in town, he presented a $1,000 check to start a National Action Network office in Fort Wayne. Sharpton is the leader of that national organization.