Trump Rally Will Have Tight Security But Be Fun, 'Like Tailgating': Exec

MINEOLA, NY — Ahead of Donald Trump's presidential campaign rally tomorrow, Nassau County officials released a laundry list of items considered contraband — including guns, explosives, and selfie camera sticks, according to multiple news outlets.

And while security will be tight, a fun atmosphere was promised for even those who don't make the venue and have to watch on a big screen outside Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in the parking lot.

A number of items, including weapons, explosives, glass and metal containers, poles and sticks, selfie sticks, signs, placards, banners, balls, chairs and coolers will not be permitted inside the venue, County Executive Bruce Blakeman said.

E-cigarettes, laser lights, mace and pepper spray, and noise makers will also not be permitted.

Anyone who brings a weapon "of any kind or fireworks will likely be arrested, according to Blakeman.

He declined to go into specifics about road closures because it might interfere with the Secret Service's security plans, but he did note that Hempstead Turnpike would be the only entrance into the venue.

The rally will be the first of its kind following the second assassination attempt on Trump over the weekend.

Nassau police began sweeping the area for security on Tuesday, according to Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.

He expects that "every inch" of the perimeter will be swept by the time the rally begins.

Sixty thousand tickets have been issued for the event, but only one-third of those ticket holders are expected to get access to the venue.

Blakeman said there will be giant TV screens outside in the parking lot to handle the overflow of people and that there would be food trucks and port-o-potties.

"So if people want the rally experience and they can't actually get inside, I'm told that it'll be a very nice experience," he said. "It'll be a fun experience. It'll be like tailgating for a football game."

The gates to the venue open at 8 a.m.

Blakeman urged attendees to "use common sense" and "show up early."

When questioned about the cost of the event, Blakeman said that it is "Team Trump" that is paying for the venue and to "run the show."

"They're paying for all of those items that they need to run a show, as anybody would run a show, and the rally is like a production. So that will be Team Trump. They're paying for that."

With respect to the police assets, Blakeman said, "Well, we do this all the time."

He noted that two weeks ago, the county provided security for the Dalai Lama, and on Sunday, also for the Prime Minister of India.

"We do it for our concerts," he said. "We do it for all kinds of dignitaries."

Other dignitaries include Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Chuck Schumer, and Speaker Mike Johnson.

"That's part of our job as a government entity, to provide safety and public order and law and order, and we encourage big events in Nassau County, like we had with the World Cup, which was a monumental event from a security standpoint."

Early Tuesday, police warned residents that the area surrounding the rally former would be congested.

The brass advised motorists and residents to "expect heavier than usual traffic" on Wednesday at around 3 p.m. "in the vicinity of" the Coliseum. Streets expected to be congested included between Hempstead Turnpike, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Earle Ovington Boulevard, and Glen Curtiss Boulevard.

"Motorists should expect delays and use alternate routes when possible," officials said.
The 45th president is expected to deliver remarks starting at 7 p.m., with the doors opening at 3 p.m.

In an invite from the Nassau GOP, prospective attendees were urged, "Let's show President Trump that Nassau County is all in to 'Make America Great Again' with a huge crowd."
In an announcement last week, Nassau GOP Chairman Joseph Cairo said the committee is "very excited" about Trump's visit.

"We're excited that what is considered a blue state, that the president would come to a blue state," he said in a Facebook post, noting that New York is Trump's home state. "There is a lot of excitement out there."

The phones at GOP headquarters, as well as the cell phones of elected officials like Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino did not stop ringing after the announcement was made.

"There is just enthusiasm throughout the entire county," Cairo added.

In 2020, Trump and Mike Pence won Suffolk County by only 232 votes, while President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took Nassau by nearly 10 points, or 70,000 votes, Politico reported.

Jerry Barmash contributed additional reporting to this story.