Trump Rallies Draw Large Crowds In Parsippany

PARSIPPANY, NJ—Two rallies in support of President Trump were held on Saturday in Parsippany, with a group of anti-Trump protesters assembling near one of the demonstrations.

One Route 46 East lane was closed near Veteran's Park and another at Baldwin Road this morning, as pro-Trump demonstrators stood on the side of the road and waved signs, cheering whenever a car honked its horn in support.

At Veteran's Park, hundreds gathered to wave flags, listen to a DJ play pro-American music, and hear speeches. A man with a shopping cart weaved through the crowd selling American and Trump flags and vendors sold Trump merchandise under a tent.

A counter-protest planned at the Veteran's Park site never materialized, other than a few people who stood across the street from the park holding anti-Trump signs.

"It's about supporting our institutions," said Ralph Milano, who came to the rally from Rockland County, N.Y. "Our police, our military, and our president."

Around 11:30 a.m. Justin Musella, Chairman of the Morris County Young Republicans, began with a speech which stressed the importance of the upcoming elections.

"Every single person here must vote," Musella said. "I assure you, a democratic future has never been scarier. This is a clear choice between socialism and capitalism. This is the last, best chance that we have to save our country."

Rosemary Becchi, candidate for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, echoed Musella. Becchi, running against Democrat incumbent Mikie Sherrill, said the 2020 election would be pivotal for the country.

"We can either go down the road of Socialism or freedom," Becchi said, "I choose freedom and I hope you do, too."

About two miles up the road, another pro-Trump group, which appeared to number more than 100, waved signs and flags at the corner of Route 46 East and Baldwin Road. Passing cars honked and passengers yelled out windows as they passed.

Across the street, a small group of about 25 counter-protesters held Black Lives Matter and anti-Trump signs in front of the Walgreen's. The two groups, as well as passing drivers, exchanged insults throughout the day, but each demonstration was peaceful.

The Parsippany Police and Morris Sheriff's Officers kept a watchful eye on the demonstrations. At Veteran's Park, officers provided a presence and traffic control. At Baldwin Road, officers placed themselves between counter-protesters and another pro-Trump group who began to demonstrate near the counter-protesters.

"They're here because they want trouble," said Brian Campbell, of Sayreville, one of the anti-Trump demonstrators. "I'm here because we need to get on a new path as a country."