UNIONDALE, NY – Former President Donald Trump held a campaign rally Wednesday at Nassau Coliseum on Long Island, where he told supporters, “we’re going to win New York.”
Crowds began packing the parking lot around 8 a.m., before doors opened at 3 p.m. and Trump took the stage at 7 p.m.
Security is there incredibly tight for one of the public meetings of former presidents since Sunday tried to kill the visible. Measure the same visible and invisibleincluding visible sharpshooters and bomb-sniffing dogs, overhead helicopters, and undercover operatives in large numbers.
“For this event, we have to stay tight … All the cooperation, federal, state and law enforcement and Homeland Security partners. This will be a very safe place,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
Police said earlier reports on social media about explosives found at the site were false. He said a man, who may have been training bomb detection dogs near the site, was detained and questioned.
“We will win New York”
In a 90-minute speech, Trump promised to win New York, the state of President Joe Biden by 23 points.
He talked about the decay of the city where he was born and promised to restore the local tax deduction known as SALT, which his government supported legislation to shut it down during his presidency.
“Saving thousands of dollars for residents of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and other high-cost states,” Trump said.
He doubled down on his attacks on immigrants and referenced new reports about them rape in Queens and Brooklynvowed to deport migrants, some of whom are in the country on legal temporary status.
“I’ve been talking about him for five years now,” he said. “I’m telling you if you let them in, it’s going to be hell. They’re vicious, violent criminals they put in our country.”
Even if he did not flip the red body of the state, the former president was invited to Long Island by the Republican Nassau County executive in part to help bolster Republican congressional candidates.
“The House Republican majority is really coming through New York. It may not be there yet for the presidential race,” said Rep. Nick LaLota.
“The political earth beneath us has shifted to the right. We will find out in November what that means for New York voters,” said Zeldin.
Trump supporters are out in force on Long Island
Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder unlocked the gates at the coliseum himself, signaling the start of the event. he vowed to make it the safest place in the country.
First in line was Virginia Ciccotto from Massapequa park who overnighted outside the coliseum.
“They had everything right, we did well and now the country is falling apart. Everything is scary. It’s dangerous,” said Ciccotto.
Hundreds of people wore red Make America Great Again caps and flags, representing New York state’s belief that it can be turned around.
“I expect President Trump to talk about the need to make life in this country more affordable, to strengthen our borders, to be more energy independent and dominant, to have safer roads, a better foreign policy and so on,” he said. former congressman Lee Zeldin.
“It’s a big possibility because, President Trump, we know what we’ve been through for the first four years,” one person said.
“People see people posting and with inflation, immigration, everything seems to be upside down,” said another.
“He’s a great guy. He’s done so much for our country,” said Matt Kay, of Brooklyn. “A lot of bad things have happened in the last four years and Kamala is not the answer. It’s Donald Trump.”
“I keep meeting more people who think conservatively like I do, so I think it’s one of the best opportunities New York can have,” said Plainview resident Ari Gross.
An anti-Trump protest was held outside the Nassau Coliseum
Reflecting the division in the country, a protest was held outside the gates of the coliseum later on Wednesday.
“Donald Trump, you know, he put on a good show. Unfortunately, he’s a crummy president,” one person said. “So I think that’s what we need to remind the voters. We’re out here to remind the voters that Donald Trump is not good for Nassau County, not good for the state of New York, and certainly not good for the United States of America.”
Haitians gathered for the blast pet eating rumors spread by Trump.
“We call on the people of Haiti to stand up and vote against Trump,” said Assemblyman Philip Ramos.
Democratic leaders say Trump’s visit means less campaign time in swing states.
“New York is really blue, so I think they’re going to change their electoral votes,” state Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs said.
“Now (Trump) says he’s for the SALT deduction, but he’s the author and supporter of this initiative to eliminate this tax relief,” Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages said.
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff campaigned for Harris in Brooklyn
Just a few miles away, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff campaigned for his wife in Brooklyn.
“Look how he stepped up in July. Look how he stepped up at the convention. Look how he stepped up in that debate,” he said.
Speaking to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in Washington on Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris vowed to cut taxes for working families and expand the child tax credit.
“It’s not fair that our seniors have to choose between filling prescriptions and putting food in the fridge or paying rent,” Harris said.